Free The Apocalypse Watch by Robert Ludlum Page A

bombed out of existence!”
    “It will not matter, for as von Schnabe will undoubtedly tell you, we won’t exist.”
    “
Please
, Gerhardt, one thing at a time. I will not take another step until you explain yourself.”
    “Later, Hans. Greet our patient first, then you’ll understand.”
    “My dear Greta,” said Traupman, turning to the wife. “Is this husband of yours the same logical human being I knew before?”
    “Yes, Doctor. This part, the part he will explain to you, I
do
understand. It’s brilliant, sir, you’ll see.”
    “But first see our patient; he’s the next window, the next door on the right. Remember, his name is Lassiter,
not
Latham.”
    “What should I say to him?”
    “Whatever you like. I’d suggest congratulating him on his recovery. Come along.”
    “I’ll wait by the desk,” said Greta Frisch Kroeger.
    The two physicians walked into the room where Harry Latham, his head bandaged around his temples, stood by the large outside window. He turned and smiled; he was dressed in shirtsleeves and gray flannel trousers. “Hi there, Gerhardt. Lovely day, isn’t it?”
    “Have you been for a walk, Alex?”
    “Not yet. You can damage a businessman, but you can’t take the business out of the man. I’ve been playing with figures; there are fortunes to be made in the Chinese mainland. I can’t wait to fly over.”
    “May I present Dr.… Schmidt from Berlin?”
    “Glad to meet you, Doctor.” Latham walked over, his hand extended. “Also glad to see another doctor in our amazing complex here, just in case Gerhardt louses me up.”
    “I gather he hasn’t so far,” said Traupman, shaking hands. “But then, I hear you’re an exceptionally good patient.”
    “I don’t think I had a choice.”
    “Forgive the mask, Herr … Lassiter. I have a slight cold and the resident surgeon is a stickler, as you Americans say.”
    “I can say it in German, if you like.”
    “Actually, I like to practice my English. Congratulations on your recovery.”
    “Well, I’ll give Dr. Kroeger some credit.”
    “I’m curious, from a medical point of view. If it’s nottoo difficult for you, what do you recall when you reached the flatland of our valley?”
    “Oh.” Latham/Lassiter paused briefly while his eyes were momentarily glazed, unfocused. “You mean the accident.… Oh, Christ, it was terrible. A lot of it’s a blur, but the first thing I remember is the shouting; it was hysterical. Then I realized that I was stuck under the side of that truck, and a heavy piece of metal was pressed against my head—I’ve never
felt
such pain. And people were all around, trying to lift whatever it was off me—finally freeing me, and dragging me across the grass, where I screamed because I saw the fires, felt the heat, and thought my whole face was going to be burned. That’s when I passed out—for a hell of a long time, as it happened.”
    “A terrifying experience. But you’re on your way to full health, Mr. Lassiter, that’s all that matters.”
    “If in the new Germany you can find a way to get Gerhardt a mansion on the Danube, I’ll pay for it.” Latham’s eyes were now totally clear, completely focused.
    “You’ve done enough for us, Alex,” said Kroeger, nodding at Traupman. “Dr. Schmidt here merely wanted to say hello to our generous benefactor, and to make sure I performed as he taught me to.… Take your walk anytime you like—after you’ve finished figuring out how to extract many more millions from Asia.”
    “It’s not that difficult, believe me. The Far East doesn’t merely like money, it worships it. When you decide I’m ready to leave, Gerhardt, the Brotherhood will be richer for it.”
    “You are forever in our Teutonic prayers, Alex.”
    “Forget the prayers, just bring about the Fourth Reich.”
    “We shall.”
    “Good day, Herr Lassiter.”
    Traupman and Kroeger left and walked up the corridor to the pristine anteroom. “You were right,” said the doctor from