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  No one said a word. “Good. Each of your sections has already met tonight and knows its orders. We meet again in two weeks and begin collecting all the materials,” he said as he stiffened and lifted his right arm in a Nazi salute. “Heil Hitler!” he yelled.

  The rest of the men in the room jumped to their feet and joined the salute. Their shouts echoed through the room and down the outer passageway. After a moment, the general dropped his salute and left the room. The men relaxed and began leaving on their own. Their footsteps in the long passageway slowly lessened until the room was as quiet as a tomb.

  On the way home, Fredrich Stadt sat in the seat next to his father. They had driven from Mittenwald, a small town near the Austrian Boarder, to attend the meeting. It was Fredrick’s sixth. Up until tonight the meetings were with just the youth of high school age and were more of a kind of political ideology meeting than anything of substance. Fredrich attended the meetings because his father expected him to and they did make him feel a little more important for being in some sort of exclusive “club.” But tonight they had been given a brown uniform shirt to wear to meetings and they had been told they would be taught how to use weapons. There was more talk about the “greater Germany” and then this last thing about getting the supplies together. It made him uneasy.

  He still didn’t like the Nazi salute. In school, every person was taught about what happened in years past and how it must never happen again. Germany was embarrassed that it had allowed itself to be deluded by Hitler. It was also embarrassed that it was ridiculed for its actions. To the rest of the world the Germans were the bad guys.

  Fredrich hated the embarrassment. Germany wasn’t a bad place. German people were not “bad.” True, Hitler had led Germany down a garden path until it was too late to do anything. But Germany couldn’t and wouldn’t go back to that. At the same time, these people were saying Germans were going to be leaders again. They said Germany would become the leader of the world. People would look up to them again. He liked that part. Unfortunately, the men in this “club” were saying some of the same things Hitler did before. Were they being deluded again, or was this the real answer? There were too many questions for his 16 year old mind.

  “Father, I am concerned about something,” Fredrich said.

  Herr Stadt stared straight ahead as he drove the car. “What is it?”

  “I know you want me to attend these meetings, and I am learning a great many things. I want our nation to be great, but they are asking you to steal this fuel. You and mother have always taught us that stealing something is a very bad thing. How can we do this?” Fredrich asked.

  “We do it because it is necessary,” he said tersely. “These are plans set down in stone years ago. It is our duty to our neighbors and to our Fatherland to make sure these plans are carried out in any way we can,” Stadt said.

  “I understand that. But you said the organization had the funds to do almost anything we desire. Wouldn’t it be better to purchase the fuel they need and have it delivered wherever you need it?” Fredrich asked.

  “Son, you must understand that this would be impossible. The things we do must be kept secret. If we purchased the fuel, someone would know what we are doing and try and stop us. If nothing else, questions would be raised. This is the right way and I trust our leaders’ judgment. It is the job of every member of the Party to follow the directions of its leaders without question. Our code is strict and it works well for us because we are German. As a new member of the Party you must learn the discipline that makes us a whole. For now, you just follow your orders and keep quiet about who we are and what we do,” Stadt instructed his son. “Verstehst du? (Do you understand?).”

  “Ja,” said Fredrich. When his father got like this there was nothing to do but agree. But the shaddow of doubt was already in Fredrick’s mind. He was beginning to wish there was a way out of this without disappointing his father or getting into some big trouble. He stared out the windows as the cars passed each other along the highway. The rest of the ride was in silence.

  Eric could not believe his good fortune. When Anna came to the door she was wearing a beautiful blue evening dress with a satin collar that perfectly matched her eyes. She was so stunning Eric simply stared until she broke his trance by kissing him on the cheek. After waving goodbye to her parents, the couple drove to a local supper club for a meal and some dancing.

  Anna was equally impressed. Eric had worn a white dinner jacket with navy pants. There was a red carnation in his lapel. She had expected a coat and tie, but this was much nicer. She was glad to find someone who had some style and not just some everyman who just got by. There wasn’t much talking until they got to the club and were seated at their table.

  Anna had never been inside this club. It was like what one saw in movies from the 1930s. Several levels of linen covered tables surrounded a large dance floor with an orchestra on one end. There were potted palms everywhere. The club was nearly full and people were having a good time. Eric noticed that several turned and stared as they entered the room and went to their table. He didn’t know if it was because they were strangers or if Anna was simply that beautiful. They both stared back in amazement at such a scene.

  “This place is amazing,” Anna said after the waiter took their order. “Thank you for bringing me.”

  Eric reached out and took her hand. “I was tired of sharing you all the time and wanted to have you all to myself for a while. I needed to make a lasting impression,” he said smiling.

  Anna giggled. “Well you have. This would impress anyone,” she said looking around. Then her eyes met his. “Besides, I was hoping to have some time alone with you as well.” She began to blush.

  Eric almost couldn’t help himself. “Anna, you are so beautiful tonight,” he said before he realized it.

  Her blush got deeper, setting off her hair and eyes even more. “I had to be, since I was going to be with a very handsome guy.” The band struck up a slow tune in the background and people began to get up to dance. “Please tell me you know how to dance,” she almost pleaded.

  Eric smiled and stood, taking her hand and leading her to the floor. Placing his arm around her waist, he led her gently around the floor in time to the music. Anna followed his lead, eventually resting her head on his shoulder. Eric thanked god for his mother’s insistence that he learn to dance as a teenager.

  The music went on and on, neither wishing it to stop. By the time they got back to their table, their dinner was served. The meal was excellent. They talked about all kinds of things, from current events to things they did growing up. Eric was surprised at the many similarities they shared, from their love of the outdoors to their plans for the future. Anna was different from most American girls he had known. She wanted to be a professional and make a mark of her own on the future. She enjoyed the growing liberation women were achieving but valued the traditions from her past. Best of all, she wasn’t the cheerleader type, but a confident, self-assured individual who was not afraid to speak her mind or engage in conversation. She was smart. She knew it and didn’t flaunt it. He was captivated.

  In turn, Eric was different from what Anna had expected. She had thought he would be like some of the American boys who visited Innsbruck, more into looking for a “good time” than anything else. She had found most American males self-centered and a little dense. Instead, she found Eric to be very thoughtful and considerate. He often went out of his way to be nice and friendly to people they met. He was quiet, but she could sense the intellect behind those brown eyes. The dancing cinched it. Americans had their rock and roll, but this guy knew how to really dance. Eric had a style and sophistication that appealed to her and she could tell he liked her. That was confirmed when she placed her head on his shoulder when they danced. His heart was racing just holding her. She only regretted they only had one more day together before he had to leave.

  By 10 pm the young couple had tired of the club and Anna suggested they walk through the town squa
re. It was a beautiful night and there were young people seemingly everywhere. Eric took her hand and they walked slowly under the trees. She pointed out a few landmarks as they walked along. As the chill set in, Eric took off his jacket and placed it over her shoulders. Leading her to a park bench, they sat down together.

  Anna sighed. “I wish this would never end,” she said quietly.

  Eric placed his fingers on her cheek and drew her in for a long kiss. He felt her arm wrap around his neck and they pulled each other closer. After a short time, they separated but remained close. “I hope this means you feel the same way I feel,” he said into her ear. He felt her nod. As he drew back and looked into her eyes, he could see tears.

  “Could I hear you say it?” she asked.

  Eric smiled. “I love you Anna Dietz. And despite the miles which may separate us, I hope to make you my wife.”

  This time, the kiss was even more passionate. “I know it is what you call a gamble, but let’s try,” she said.

  “We have one more day,” he said. “We’ll make it just for the two of us. Then I promise I will come back after graduation. With all the company’s efforts in Europe, we’ll have lots of time to be together,” he said assuring her.

  She smiled at him. “Just so you know I want to make it on my own first. I want to know I can do it. That will give us time to make sure of how we feel. It shouldn’t take too long. Then we will start a family all our own. Let’s not ruin it by going too fast. I already know I love you Eric. Let’s let it grow a bit.”

  It was one of the most sensible things he had heard. Now he knew she loved him and nothing else really mattered. The fact she wanted to start out on her own made him respect her even more. He hugged her hard. “Oh, I am going to enjoy having kids with you,” he said with a twinkle in his eye.

  Anna laughed loudly, backed away wiggling her finger at him. “No, no, no, not tonight,” she said with a wide grin. Both laughed.

  Eric sat back and looked skyward. “Oh, the sacrifices we all make…”

  She poked him in the arm. “A sacrifice, huh? You’ll survive,” she said.

  He grinned at her. “Maybe we need to walk this off,” he joked. He was enjoying his being able to joke with her on this very personal matter.

  “Maybe we should, or you won’t sleep tonight,” she kidded.

  Eric stood and pulled her to her feet. “Oh, I’ll sleep. I plan on dreaming of you,” he said warmly. He placed his arm around her waist and they walked down the path towards the other end of the square.

  Only fifteen of the men from Dresner’s group showed up the next night. They were all pleased to see the American Major again. Within a few minutes they were all talking and laughing as they had in the old days. The men were also pleased to see Eric. All of them remembered the photograph of the four year old Anderson had carried around with him. Now he was a grown man much like his father. He was immediately accepted in the group.

  Eric was a little surprised at how well everyone got along. In America, people still told stories about the “nasty Germans” they had fought in the war. But his father had never been one of those and these guys were really nice. They were sharing war stories that sounded just like some of the ones he heard from veterans at home. Equally impressive was the respect they showed both for his father and Major Dresner.

  Dresner had been the first to greet Eric. He seemed very warm and friendly, but Eric sensed something else. There had almost been a look of pain when they had first met. It was a very quick look on his face that vanished almost immediately. Eric could tell he and his father were very close, almost closer than anyone else at home. When he talked about his studies and his plans, Dresner had hung on every word.

  The man named Betz brought along his own son. He was 16 and still in high school, but a very cheerful young man.

  “Have you come to these things often?” Eric asked.

  Christopher Betz laughed. “You will have to get used to the beer halls,” he said. “Around here families often come in and have fun. The adults have the beer and we all have soft drinks. My father has brought me a few times. These guys are like family,” Chris said.

  “Something I could get used to,” said Eric. “Dad told me about these guys as I grew up, but I didn’t think I would ever actually meet them,” he said.

  Chris nodded. “I grew up with them, especially Uncle Rolf. He and my father have been friends a long time.”

  “Does Herr Dresner have family around here?”

  Chris moved a little closer. “My father said his whole family was killed during the war and we are not to speak of it. He has always been there for me and my family. So I believe you could say we are his family,” Chris said with a little pride in his voice.

  Eric nodded in understanding. “I know my father still thinks highly of him.”

  “I remember once when I had a little skiing accident. He came with my father to take me to the hospital and stayed with me almost the whole time. He even got a tutor for me so I wouldn’t get behind in my lessons. The next Christmas he gave me a new pair of skis and said it was time to get back up on them.” Chris chuckled. “He was right too. If I have a problem, I know I can go to him,” he said.

  Erick looked back at the group and saw Dresner laughing with two of the men. There was definitely something special about a man who inspires trust in people, especially young people. He and Chris talked a while longer before the rest of the men snatched them both up again like one of their comrades.

  The beer flowed, but the men didn’t seem to be getting drunk. They were just having a great time. One of the men sat down beside him. “So, you like being here in Austria?” he asked.

  “Yes sir,” Eric said. “I like the place and the people. I even like the beer,” he said enthusiastically.

  The man laughed and slapped him on the back. “You should come to Germany and Bavaria.” He leaned in closer, “the beer is much better,” he said as he laughed loudly. “I live in Munich and run a market there. In October we have what we call an Oktoberfest. It’s a whole month of celebration. We took your father there in 1945. We liked showing him all the castles,” he said.

  “I’d like that,” Eric said. “This whole place seems so peaceful and full of life. “It’s had to believe there was ever a war here.”

  The man nodded. “Well, those were different times. When Hitler came to power at first everyone was happy because we finally had jobs and a little prosperity. But then it changed,” he said sadly.

  Eric nodded. “It’s hard for people like us to understand all that went on. It’s American culture, I guess. We’re just a little different.”

  The man smiled again. “No so different. Everyone wants to be a part of a great thing. With us, Hitler was making us great and we went along. When we realized different it was too late. Most of us had already been conscripted and had to fight. We were lucky. Our Major was one of those good men who knew his duty, but who was also a good leader. We all did our duty, just like your men did. When it was over, the Major felt his duty was to us,” he said as he tilted his head. “We all did well as a result. Your father impressed the Major. By the time we separated, you would have thought we were Americans instead of Germans,” he laughed.

  “Just before your father left he gave us an order. Go out and rebuild Germany into a great nation again, he said. Your country’s greatness wasn’t in its war making ability, but in the quality of its people. Go out and build it in the right way, he said.” The older man reached into his pocket, produced a handkerchief and blew his nose. “You see all these men?” he asked. “They followed their orders,” he said with a tear in his eye.

  Eric could see the pride the man had in what they all had done. He was right. Each of the men had settled somewhere and made their homes a better place. Some had stayed in Austria and some returned to Germany, but all had made a positive contribution. He also saw the pride the men had in both their Major and his father. He could tell that if either called, the rest would c
ome running. Eric felt pride that his father could instill such feelings in others.

  “Now I see your father has also come back!” the man exclaimed. “Together we shall build a greater Europe,” he said, slapping him on the back again as he rose and went over to another man.

  By 10:30 pm the party began to break up, mostly because some of the men had to return to Germany and their homes. By that time, Eric had made sixteen new friends.

  Chapter 4

  Property Values

  Dietz had been surprised to find that the property Anderson wanted had never left government hands. After a quick helicopter trip, the existence of the house had been verified and the property surveyed and registered. The Austrian government thought no one would ever want any land on the peaks and saw the American’s purchase as a foolhardy act at best. No one knew of any house on the land, only a lake. A deed of sale was arranged along with the transfer of $250,000 American dollars, the world’s strongest currency. It had taken four months.

  Al Anderson and his wife flew back to Innsbruck to take ownership of his new property and so he could finally inspect it with his own eyes. He, Dietz and a helicopter pilot flew to the site. Like before, a mist shrouded the entire valley and the pilot was unsure of trying to land. But as he hovered, the turbulence caused the mist to part and he was able to land on the large concrete patio next to the house. After making sure the concrete wasn’t going to break, the engine was shut down and the men got out. Almost immediately the mist covered them again.

  “No wonder people thought this was just a lake. This mist hides everything,” Anderson said. As the pilot checked a few things Dietz moved towards the house.