The figure’s words were a whisper on the wind. Yet Rick caught the smooth and cultured British accent.
And the code phrase.
The tension eased from Rick’s shoulders. “Those who fought with Wellington.” He lowered his weapon as the man came forward.
“Agent Zimmerman, you are a difficult man to track down. I commend you.” He held out a hand. “I am Agent Fairsworth, and I’ve been sent by Trumble.”
Rick holstered his gun and gave him a handshake. “I just heard from him yesterday. Has something changed?”
Fairsworth folded his arms over his chest, his expression difficult to discern in the darkness. “A great many things. You and I were sent on the same mission to determine which railways and depots to sabotage, yes?”
At Rick’s nod, the man continued.
“The prime minister, with support of the cabinet, has now decided to work with Hitler and allow him to annex the Sudetenland. The deal should come to fruition in the next few months. We are two of only a few agents outside of the cabinet who know it’s coming.”
What? Rick rocked back on his heels, trying to absorb what he was hearing. His government, the British prime minister, was capitulating to Hitler? “Why?”
“From what I understand, there is great hope that if Hitler gets what he wants with Czechoslovakia, he will stop throwing a temper tantrum and allow the rest of the world to live in peace.”
The scoff escaped his lips before he could stop it. “You know that’s not true. Just look at what he’s done to this country. To its most vulnerable people!” He shoved his hand through his hair,knocking his cap to the ground. He snatched it up and smashed it back on his head. “What on earth is Chamberlain thinking?”
Fairsworth straightened and poked Rick in the chest. “It is not for us to question what the prime minister chooses to do. Right now we have a new mission vital to ensuring Hitler sticks to his word. Are you in, or are you out?”
Rick’s face burned. Spending time with Chaisley and Melanie had made him too bold in his opinions. Good soldiers, goodspies,only had one purpose—to serve the good of their king, country, and government. “I am in. Forgive my lapse of judgment.”
“No forgiveness needed. Now. Listen closely. We know that Germany did not abide under the restraints of the Treaty of Versailles. They’ve rebuilt their military power, munitions, and communications. While other agents are working on deciphering how the Germans are using wireless communications, we’ve discovered they are running thousands of miles of cable across the country.”
Thousands of miles of cable? Rick closed his eyes. How on earth were they supposed to track that?
Fairsworth must have sensed his exasperation because he let out a laugh. “Daunting, I know. However, I have worked a source—mid-level in theHeer.He is looking to escape Germany in the next few months. I’m trying to talk him out of it. His information has been excellent thus far.”
He leaned against a tree. “There are communication clusters in railways and depots like these, where they center telecommunications. If those clusters are tampered with or cut, it impacts huge areas throughout the country.”
Ah. Well, that was certainly more doable than what he’d been imagining. “So what is my assignment?”
“When you can, escape the pianist in the middle of the night. I have a coded list of several railway depots where these communication clusters might be. My contact was certain that at least seventy-five percent of these depots are hubs.” He handed Rick anenvelope. “I’ve decoded half of them for you—find and examine, then sabotage whatever you can. I’ll take the other half.”
Rick took the packet and slipped it into his jacket pocket. “When do we start?”
Fairsworth smoothed his hair back and glanced at the sky. The clouds were clearing, moonlight streaming through the branches of the trees. “As soon as possible. I’ve already disabled the communications in the big building behind us. So one down. Hundreds to go. We know that Frappier is slated for another concert in Berlin. It appears Hitler has taken quite a shine to her. Perhaps that distraction can play in our favor. We have a man on the inside there as well, so you would be free to slip away.”
Rick’s throat went dry. The thought of Chaisley becoming a pawn in Hitler’s hands ...
But he couldn’t object. He’d already crossed the line once. If Fairsworth found out he had feelings for his assignment, who knew what would happen to him. Being pulled from his mission would be the least of his worries. “Sounds good.”
As Fairsworth pushed away from his nonchalant position, his features were illuminated for the first time since he’d surprised Rick in the woods. He looked every inch the British aristocrat. Older than Rick, fine featured, thin nose, pale skin. Arrogant twist of the lips.
Rick had met his fair share of Fairsworth’s kind during training.
“I’ve heard excellent things about you, Zimmerman. Despite your unfortunate German heritage, you are an exemplary agent.”
Nice backhanded compliment. Almost sounded sincere. “I appreciate it, sir.”
Fairsworth clapped Rick’s shoulder. “Take heart. If all goes as it should, Hitler will have his land. Chamberlain will have a victory. And the world will have peace.” He gave Rick a lazy salute and then turned on his heel, melting back into the woods.
Rick fell back against a tree, trying to process everything theother agent had revealed. He loved being a spy. He loved Britain. Supported his government.
Usually.
