Who Done Houdini by Raymond John

to pay. But most of all they’re victims of the great inflation that left whole populations penniless. Germans are a proud people. Their poverty hurts them deeply. It’s not surprising Hitler’s message is so powerfully seductive. It offers them hope for the future and someone to blame for all their troubles. Unfortunately, his plans can only lead to war.”
    â€œAnd suffering for the Jews,” I muttered.
    â€œMore than we can even imagine, I fear. The key is that the League of Nations is required to return the Rhineland to Germany in eight years. When that happens, Germany will have almost unlimited power to build weapons. When they finally go to war, they’ll be determined to win, no matter what they have to do to achieve a victory, and their weapons will be far more deadly.”
    â€œIf even half the stories about the atrocities against the Belgians are true, they’d rank among the cruelest warriors of all time.”
    â€œThe next great war will be many times more horrible than the last. I hope I won’t be around for it. My heart can’t stand to be broken again.”
    I didn’t like the downbeat tone.
    â€œI’m worried about Becker,” I said. “Do you think he’ll try to carry through on his threat?”
    â€œHe might very well if he’s able to find out who we are. My references to Houdini may be our undoing.”
    Conversation ended, and I drove on in silence until we were approaching downtown Detroit.
    â€œI’m sure you’re enjoying your stay at the Royal Palm, Mr. Holmes, but it’s an unnecessary expense. You’re more than welcome to stay with Violet and me. We have a bedroom we’ve never used.”
    â€œI appreciate the offer, Wiggins, but old habits die slowly, and I prefer my solitude. Moreover, we’re done with what we can accomplish here. I know I should have told you earlier, but I’ve booked passage for us to New York on the eleven o’clock train. We have someone to meet in Brooklyn.”
    â€œEleven o’clock? That’s impossible I can’t even pack that quickly. And Violet will never agree to my leaving so abruptly. If you want me to come with you, she’ll have to come too.”
    â€œThat would be awkward.”
    â€œTo use an old expression. You made the bed. Now lie in it.”
    â€œI see I’ve once again forgotten I’m not traveling alone. Your charming wife will be more than welcome to join us. I’ll pay her fare when we’re on the train.”

 
    Chapter 12
    C lothes flew as we packed, and Violet was sure we would never make it in time, but somehow we appeared, bleary-eyed and yawning, at the station at 10:45. The train was already waiting there with puffs of steam coming from beneath the cars, and boarding doors standing open. Though resentful about the short notice, Violet was far too excited about the trip to complain.
    â€œI still can’t believe he’s taking me with, too,” she said with girlish glee. “I’ve never been to New York before.”
    â€œYou must have impressed him somehow.”
    A cold wind bit at our ears and noses, and we were shivering when Holmes showed up three minutes later.
    â€œGood morning,” I said. “I see you’re back in your tweeds.”
    â€œThe rest of my clothes are in my bag. Everything, that is, except the winter cap with the earflaps you so kindly bought me. I left that in the hotel room.”
    His sharp look told me that my attempt at a little harmless humor at his expense was at an end. I smiled, a bit sheepishly I fear.
    He glanced at our bags, then turned to Violet. “You were able to pack a few things, I see.”
    â€œJust barely,” Violet said with a smile.
    That was a lie. Screaming at the top of her voice, she tore everything with hooks from her closet and laid them on the bed. “I have no idea what to bring,” she had sobbed, flinging herself on