Haber gestured to a chair.
Bruno sat.
Haber adjusted his pince-nez spectacles and peered at Bruno. “I was hoping to have our meeting over a glass of wine, but it’s too late for that now. My train leaves soon.”
“Perhaps we can have a drink together another time, sir.”
Haber took a gulp of wine, then nodded.
“Sir, how is the development of the sulfur mustard weapon coming along?” Bruno asked, hoping to change the subject to something other than his tardiness.
Haber’s brows softened. “Gut. The agent, which we hoped would create severe chemical burns, as well as bleeding and blistering within the respiratory system, is turning out to be far more potent than we expected.”
A burn rose in Bruno’s esophagus. He swallowed and said, “That is good news, sir.”
“I wantyouto launch its use in July.”
“It will be a privilege.”
A slim smile formed on Haber’s face.
“Have you selected a site to use the mustard gas?”
Haber placed his fingertips together. “Ypres.”
Where we conducted the first gas attack. A memory of a green chlorine cloud, floating over no-man’s-land and asphyxiating hundreds in its path, surged inside Bruno’s brain. He gripped the arms of his chair, attempting to hide his disgust. “You’ve put much thought into selecting the location. I have no doubts that the new agent will be a success, and I appreciate you keeping me informed.”
“You’re welcome, Bruno, but that’s not why I’ve summoned you.”
He leaned forward.
“It has come to my attention that you’ve become reckless,” Haber said.
Bruno’s shoulder muscles tightened.
“Is it true that you attempted to reach the front line in the midst of a heavy enemy bombardment?”
Bruno shifted in his seat.He knows.“That is correct, sir. I had been trying to reach Artillery General Kainz to persuade him to use gas shells, rather than solely rely on high-explosives. It turned out that the general was not at a front-line dugout, where I was told he would be.”
“Do you wish to die?” Haber asked.
“Nein, sir.”
“Then act like it,” Haber said firmly.
“Ja, sir.”
Haber swirled the wine in his glass. “I need you to remain alive. You’re needed to launch my new weapon, which will put fear into our enemy and lead the empire to victory.”
Bruno nodded.
“You have much to live for, Bruno. Yourvateris becoming enormously wealthy from his supply contracts for the Imperial German Army. After the war, you’ll have a prestigious position at Wahler Farbwerke, and you’ll have a luxurious life.”
Unless we are convicted and hung for war crimes, Bruno thought.
“I want you to stay in Lille to oversee the distribution of phosgene shells until you begin your military leave,” Haber said. “Get some rest in Germany. When you return to the front, your mind and body will be refreshed to execute the next stage of Germany’s chemical warfare.”
“I’ll be ready, sir,” Bruno said.
