Free The Bleiberg Project (Consortium Thriller) by David Khara Page B

tuft of a mustache under his nose, protruding chin and a mouth like a scar across his face did nothing to contradict first impressions. But the gleam in his eyes revealed the extraordinary will of a man convinced of his destiny. Christian Delmar had studied history. What did all men of his type have in common? Madness as their only companion.
    For one long minute, deafening silence occupied the room. Hitler seemed miles away, unaware of their presence or ignoring it as unimportant. While Herr Hess glared at the two visitors, who stared, in turn, at their feet, a voice that brooked no argument shattered the silence. “Your company asked me to grant an appointment to two emissaries. You’re here. I’m listening, gentlemen.”
    No room for niceties. Christian spoke up. “Your entourage includes members of our organization. They have informed us of your ideas, your—how can I put it?—vision of the future.”
    “Get to the point. Other people are waiting.” The accompanying dismissive gesture especially irritated Christian. The Frenchman cleared his throat and continued. “Yes, our superiors are willing to lend you the support you require to take power.”
    “You have my attention now.” Hitler knew how to smile. The atmosphere warmed slightly.
    “You will receive funding, the backing of the business sector and logistical and operational support for your party. If necessary, your opponents and rivals could be neutralized or even eliminated.”
    “I shall crush my enemies! The court could have sent me before a firing squad. Instead, it chose to salute my patriotism, my love for greater Germany. It’s not the party that concerns me. I need an army, not sheep in wolf’s clothing whose bombastic speeches disguise their absence of ambition. The German people deserve more than the wretched peace the Versailles Treaty forced upon us.” Hitler punctuated his words with abrupt gestures, as if his forearms had a mind of their own. He jabbed his finger threateningly at his visitors. The dice had been rolled.
    “Let’s be clear. We won’t raise a finger to help you if you refuse to respect the political rules in force in your country. You must follow a legal path to power in order to benefit from our assistance. We will have no problem finding another leader to achieve our aims. Herr Hitler, either you are with us, or you are against us. There is no middle ground.” Christian anticipated another outburst of anger. The only response he received was a smile.
    “Might your organization be as influential as Rudolf claims? I assumed you were madmen in the thrall of esotericism, but it seems to me now that you are looking for more than cheap thrills.” He was turning on the charm. Unpredictable and unfathomable. A real threat.
    “Our organization is light years from the clubs for aristocrats titillated by Ouija boards. We have shared values, Herr Hitler. Our objective and yours are linked by the quest for the superiority of the Aryan race. Working together would advance both our causes.”
    Rudolf Hess and Adolf Hitler shared a knowing look that testified to a growing interest in Christian Delmar’s arguments. “Let’s suppose I accept your offer. What would you require in return?”
    “Nothing you can’t give us.”
    “I’ll be the judge of that!” Another unexpected outburst. The emissaries remained unperturbed.
    “As I said, nothing you can’t give us. You will take power by legal means, and you will be free to do what you want with it. You will apply the twenty-five-point program you had the NSDAP adopt in 1920. The future of the Jews is of little concern to us. Kill them, imprison them, whatever you want. However, the anticapitalist measures must be revoked or disavowed.”
    “The economy is irrelevant. The State must control everything.”
    “A serious mistake, sir. You will need the support of industry, the banks and businessmen in order to develop your greater Germany. This aspect of our agreement is