Ah. That was the point of this assignment. Driving the pianist would give him access to all the concertgoers. Would she be playing for the Nazis? This might give him an opportunity to gain access into otherwise off-limit places.
He’d done it before, picking up more information than any of the others by pretending he didn’t understand when they’d infiltrated the offices of the Nazis.
“You will be her exclusive driver for the next eighteen months. She also has an assistant traveling with her.” He reached for a pen, his movements stiff as he eyed Rick. All signs of his former exuberance gone. “Perhaps I’ve made a hasty decision. I was excitedto have a man of your qualifications to assign to Miss Frappier. But now I’m—”
“No, no. Please.” Why had he allowed his emotions to show? He knew better. “I’m sorry. I haven’t gotten a lot of sleep the past few days, and I don’t know what came over me. I apologize. I’m extremely grateful for the job.”
The man’s eyes narrowed, and he stared at Rick for several seconds. “All right then.” He scratched something on a slip of paper and handed it to Rick. “They arrive tomorrow, the address was confirmed this morning. You will take the Rolls Royce Phantom III Limousine. It’s our best car and the most luxurious. I expect you to return it in pristine condition.”
“Yes, sir.” Rick stuck the slip of paper into his pocket and kept his head down. “Thank you for believing in me, sir.”
“If I didn’t have a family at home to take care of, I would’ve taken the job myself.” The man relaxed in his chair. “But you’re young and unattached so that makes you perfect for the job.” He leaned forward. “You will also be offering protection of sorts since your passengers are women. Do your best to be clean and in uniform at all times. Make sure you bring a knife with you. Just in case. We can’t have thieves or vagabonds attacking such a notable luminary on our watch.”
“Yes, sir. I will not let you down.” No point in telling the man he had several pistols with him. Which were illegal in Nazi territory, but necessary for an agent.
“See to it that you don’t.” The man dismissed him with a wave.
Rick left the building and jogged down the steps—
He frowned. He’d caught sight of someone out of the corner of his eye. Who ...?
His contact.
Finally.
The man ducked into an alleyway. The man was a lot thinnerand had more gray hair than the last time they’d seen each other. Rick strolled in the same direction then ducked into the alley.
Charles handed him a folder. “Read the file and memorize it. To the last detail. Then destroy it. Your languages will come in handy for the travel and give you opportunities to listen in. The highest-profile targets all across Europe have tickets for this woman’s concerts, which leads us to believe that Miss Frappier is more than just a pianist. Who knows what kinds of meetings you might encounter. Be ready for anything, at any time. We will have contacts reach out to you as additional assignments arise. But for now, learn what you can by listening.”
Rick nodded and grabbed the folder. If there were opportunities to help further SIS operations in Eastern Europe and stop the Nazis, he would find them.
His contact slipped away into the alley, and Rick opened the folder and found a picture of a lovely woman on top.
Chaisley Frappier.
The pianist.
Closing the folder, he tucked the file inside his jacket and headed back to his hotel. He would have to spend the evening studying up on Miss Frappier and music terminology.
The biggest question on his mind, though, had nothing to do with music.
Was Miss Frappier a Nazi sympathizer or not?
chapter
Three
Amsterdam, Netherlands—Monday, March 21, 1938
Chaisley ached from the voyage. How could she be tired of it already? Granted, their ship had troubles early on, and they sat in the port of Dover for three days. Although now they’d made the short trip by sea to Amsterdam. The first leg to the continent was done, but she was already dreading more travel, and the tour hadn’t even started yet.
“It’s bone-wearying, isn’t it?” Melanie moaned. “I don’t know about you, but I’m tired of traveling already.”
Chaisley laughed and then yawned as she stretched her limbs and stood. “You took the words right out of my mind.”
“Well, at least we are finally done with our journey by boat for a while.” Her friend let out a breath. “Going by car is much more enjoyable. The water always makes me queasy.”
The sounds of travel cases being moved around their room joined in with the cacophony from the dock.
