The Curse of the Eberbachs

by Heather Sparrows and Anne-Li

Part 21: Meanwhile, Back In Bonn (1985) minus 10.

The Chief sat at his desk, reading an operation report, gauging the contents against information already gathered and contemplating various solutions. Something had to be done, but the only possible solution would require the assistance of both America and France, which was always tricky. At least I won't have to send Eberbach for this one, that would really have made the shit hit the fan. The Alphabet team was home after their latest mission and he expected the report shortly, but luckily he had someone more suitable to send to the Paris problem. Someone who didn't only know the meaning of the words "delicate situation", but would not take them as a personal challenge.

Z marched through the corridor to the Chief's office. By the door he took a nervous breath. I have nothing to worry about. Only, he had never given the Chief a report before. That was always the Major's job and Z couldn't help but to feel a bit hesitant. He greeted the secretary politely and gave her his best "I'm a good boy"-smile. She returned the smile and he didn't have to wait long before she motioned for him to go in.

"Agent Z," said the Chief. "Do sit down. Do you have the report for me?" He certainly didn't mind the interruption. While G was his favourite among the Alphabet, Z was also a sweet thing. The Chief knew well how to appreciate beauty. And how to keep it. I must remember to tell Major Eberbach to get a haircut when he gets back. To do so was a fire-sure way to make the ornery man keep his lovely tresses.

"I have our report. Sir. Here." Z handed over the document, still nervous. A – who usually took charge if the Major had been put in the hospital or was otherwise unable to work – had gone over the report to help him. Z trusted A, but the responsibility remained his. The mission itself had gone well, though, despite Lord Gloria's rabid dog. Z didn't like dogs – never had, really, for all that they most often seemed to like him.

The Chief accepted the report, feeling a little confused, and gave the papers a quick once-over. "I wasn't informed that the Major had been injured."

Z frowned. "Ah, no. He wasn't. Sir."

"Then why are you listed as the agent in charge?"

Sweat started to gather on Z's forehead. "Because I was, sir? The agent. In charge. After Major von dem Eberbach left on his new mission."

The Chief also frowned. "New mission? What are you talking about?"

Why is he asking me that? Perhaps he really is going senile, like the Major says. "The new mission the Major was sent on, sir? So that he had to leave us."

"New mission? What are you talking about? Major Eberbach hasn't been assigned a new mission. He called me to say that he took a few days off. Due to important family matters."

"But he was. Sir. He had to leave. For a new mission. He ... He sang to me. Sir." And what a song it had been! Z had been on his way out when the call had come and afterwards he had to sit on the bed for several minutes, to get himself together. The Major had ... quite a nice singing voice.

The Chief stared at him in disbelief. "The Major ... sang to you?"

Z met his gaze, more convinced by the second that something had gone very, very wrong.

end part 21.


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