Free The Collectors - Book Four: Diamonds and Sand (The Collectors Series 4) by Ron Sewell Page B

professional. 
    “Anything?” asked the m ajor.
    S he spoke with perfect diction. “Your Hauptman Geller was a lucky man. On arrival in England, they questioned him in London. At some time, there’s no actual date, he arrived at Camp 21, Featherstone, and south of the River Tyne. A lot of documentary and personal evidence of the inmates exists, although the camp is long gone. Your man eventually occupied an important position in the Republic of Germany. I can find out where and when if you want. He did write a book of his experiences whilst at Featherstone. The Northumberland County Library at Hexham has an archive dedicated to the camp.”
    “Do you need any more information on your pilot?” asked the major
    “No , but Lieutenant Baumstein and his team, whatever happened to them?”
    “I’ll go and look,” said Nancy.” She left.
    “ A smart and clever woman. Why she works here, God Knows.”
    Nancy knocked on the office door and entered with a file. “You’re in luck regarding Lieutenant Baumstein. I have no information on his men. I can have another look if you want.”
    “Thank you, Nancy. It’s Baumstein we’re interested in.”
    “Well, he made it through the war, married an English girl and settled in Portsmouth. Much to my surprise, he’s alive and kicking.”
    “Remarkable. ” The major smiled. “Don’t suppose we have an address?”
    She leafed through the folder. “Yes, but how relevant ?” She shrugged. “I’ll find out from the electoral register. Give me a few minutes.”
    “A bit o f a long shot, don’t you think, Major?” said Bear.
    “Not really, the man was an officer, still alive and must have a pension. Can’t be too many Baumstein’s in the phone book.”
    “I have your address,” said Nancy. “Your ninety seven year old soldier lives with his daughter a Mrs Littlejohn and her husband.” She handed the major a slip of paper and another to Petros.
    “Thanks,” said Petros. “Bear we might just take in the sea air for a day.”
    “”I beg your pardon.”
    “A day out, on the coast.”
    “PK, if you want to chat to an old man who I doubt can remember yesterday, go for it. At the moment I have builders refurbishing two of my houses and I need to be there to stop them ripping me off more than usual. ”
    Petros tapped Bear’s arm and they both stood. “Thank you, Major, for you help and time.” Petros held out his hand.
    “Thank you for making a retired officer’s day. Soon they’ll pu t me out to grass. If you need more info please give me a call.” He handed over a card. “My address and phone number.”
    “Thanks , Major,” said Bear. “Your new camp from what I’ve seen is spot on but the old one was home. Any idea what’s going to happen to it?”
    “Not sure. I t’s been mentioned the local authority wants to build houses on it.”
    Bear chuckled. “Years of blood, sweat and tears covered by houses.” He shrugged. “A thousand soldiers will turn in their graves. “ He shook hands. “Take care Major and thank you again.”
    The major escorted them to the main door.
    “It’s persisting like an elephant peeing,” said Bear.
    “Powers of observation , ten out of ten,” said Petros as he raced to his car.
    Bear followed with one of the young female clerks holding an enormous golf umbrella between them.
    “Thanks, gorgeous. ”
    She waited until he was in side, grinned and ran back to her office.
    “It’s all right for some,” said Petros.
    “My natural charm,” said Bear.
    Petros stopped at the main entrance and returned their visitors passes.
    “What’s your next move?” asked Bear.
    “ I’ll drop you off first, then visit London Library and get them to beg or borrow a copy of Geller’s book.”
    “Why the book? We do the job or we don’t.”
    “Maybe because I’m interested in a man, who as far as we know, never asked what happened to a case full of diamonds or did he go back and retrieve them when the war