The Shadowboxer by Noel; Behn Page A

you back for undermining my position with both the Council and Kuprov by sending Spangler to intercept Vetter. I will have those five precious political prisoners moved to new and more secure detention. Then I will sit back and watch the footrace between you and the Russians. It will be grand sport observing which honorable ally detects the first prisoner. It will be even more amusing to see if they can free him. Yes, that will be the most amusing way to spend the spring, dear Peppermint—because I have no intention of letting anyone get even near those men. But don’t be dejected—at least you have five chances to fail.”
    â€œIs that all?”
    â€œMore or less. There is one final item I feel should be included.”
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œSince you are back to using Spangler, I must assume that Jean-Claude is also involved. Get Jean-Claude out of Europe or the Bubels will have a new playmate. If you are not familiar with the term Bubel I suggest you ask Spangler for a definition.
    â€œSo there you have it, Father, plain and simple. I suggest the Americans give it their most serious consideration, for my sake as well as theirs. I really wouldn’t want to end up in Russia or South America.”
    â€œWhen do you need your answer?”
    â€œIf no one comes after the Tolan girl, I will have my answer.”
    The Peppermint Priest stepped across the room and began putting on his slicker.
    â€œGoing, Father?”
    â€œYou wouldn’t want me to miss the tide, would you?”
    â€œBut, Peppermint, who knows what eyes are watching? The façade must be complete. You must assist me. Every part must fit. Not a suspicion must be aroused.”
    Von Schleiben pulled open the louvered doors. The girls stood expectantly in the doorway. “Whores talk, Father. We must make everything look natural—or at least unnatural. I have promised my energetic young darlings something special; something they have always wanted. That is why they think you are here. We have been talking, Peppermint. I have been convincing you. I am known not to fail. I am known not to disappoint my darlings. They are waiting, Father. They are waiting for a cleric of their own. It might prove embarrassing if you left without fulfilling their expectations. Then, of course, there is my own curiosity—I have never been sure if you really are a priest. Perhaps their findings will answer my question.”
    Von Schleiben leaned back against the table and watched the young women enter the room. The two whores stood facing the Peppermint Priest. They smiled enigmatically as their gowns fell open.
    The boat floated free of the pilings and started its engine. The Peppermint Priest scrambled down the ladder, pushed into the tiny cabin, stripped off his cassock and took his neatly pressed uniform from the hanger. He had finished dressing and was adjusting his Ben Franklin glasses when the wireless operator stuck his head through the hatch.
    â€œContact G. P. G. Two, Purple Line,” the former priest ordered. “Tell them the Lone Ranger must be delayed. He must not ride. Whatever happens, the Lone Ranger must stay off his horse. Tell them I think I can lay my hands on an Orator.”
    The petty officer returned half an hour later. “Major Julian, sir,” he said unhappily, “Purple Line has just replied.”
    â€œAnd?”
    â€œThey received our message and got it through to the Lone Ranger—and, well …”
    â€œWhat is it?”
    â€œThe Lone Ranger told them to fuck off.”

10
    At dusk the twelve “isolation” rooms on Floor One, B Barracks, were unlocked and the twelve women escorted out. They formed ranks, marched across Oranienburg and filed into the arrivals building. Each was given new shoes and a new prison dress for the inspection. Each was assigned the number of an office where her physical examination would take place.
    Hilka Tolan entered door 11K. The room