Pip

      My train pulled into the Berlin bahnhof at exactly 1330.The German train system purportedly runs like a Swiss watch.  I can attest to that as upon arrival I set my watch to the ETA of 1330.

      I flagged a taxi to take me to a memory – an area where “the wall” used to separate two vastly different ways of life.  My BMW taxi made me feel important until I noticed looking out the window at the heavy traffic (but not as heavy as in Paris) that 90% of the taxis here were either BMW s or Mercedes Benz s.  I know its been a long time but it still amazes me as to how the countries we defeat in war prosper at a greater rate than we do following the war.  I guess they all must have seen “The Mouse That Roared.”

      While standing on the curb contemplating ancient history I felt a set of eyes on me...“Guten tag Pip!”  came the voice that has entered my head entirely too many times during the last 48 hours.

“Oh a h h …. Hi,”

“Connor!”

“Yes Connor, behind door number two.  What a coincidence.”

“It isn't a coincidence.  I told you I would see you in Deutschland”

“Deutschland is rather large and I told no one exactly where I was going so how did you find me so quickly?”

“That’s what I'm paid to do.”

“You are paid to find me?”

“No, I'm doing this on my own time.  I'm on holiday, but I can use skills I acquired on the job.”

“So why are you stalking me?”

“I'm not stalking you.”

“What would you call it?”

“Well I might be conducting a little surveillance – but look lets not debate this here.  There is a little gasthaus about a block from here. If you would join me for a Becks and bratwurst, I'll try to explain.”

“.....okay, but I'll warn you in advance – the only thing your whetting is my appetite”

Once in place at a remote corner table, Connor began --

“Look Pip we've gotten off to a shaky start.  We're on the same side. I thought we could exchange information for our mutual benefit.”

“What kind of information?”

“Well possibly about your father.”

“You go first.”

“For starters, I do work where I said but this is not an official assignment.  I am on holiday and my contacting you is strictly my idea and has not been shared with anyone.”

“What is it you want from me?”

“This is a bit awkward but I did learn from your father the importance of facing situations early and head on. so...”

“That's interesting.  You just gave me the first reason to possibly believe anything you've said.  I heard those same exact words from my Dad when I was very young.  You may continue.”

“Pip I don't want to create any false hopes and I have no concrete evidence but there has been a lot of unofficial rumors within the international intel community about your father's reported death.”

“What kind of rumors?”

“Your father and his reputation were greatly admired by people in the business – on both sides , friends and foes.  Few of us were satisfied with the reported circumstances surrounding his so called fatal accident.  There also have been a few possible sightings.  But this too doesn't make a lot of sense.  If he didn't want to be seen, he wouldn't be.  All of these things create a degree of speculation concerning what really happened, why, whether he is really gone, and if not where is he and why?”

Once again the mixed emotions of having my greatest hopes and worse fears play tag in my mind were in high gear.