Free The Schliemann Legacy by D.A. Graystone Page B

treasure."
    "My dear, you continue to disappoint me," he said. "You have stopped short of the answer. Where did you go before you came here?"
    Katrina was again growing impatient with the Frenchman. "The cemetery," she said.
    "And the inscription above the gates to the cemetery?"
    "I never noticed."
    "Exactly!" Mardinaud's voice was suddenly serious. "And that is why you may not live to see the end of this game. The clues abound if you can find them. Clues to both the treasure and to the dangers. You must sharpen your powers of observation. You have, once again, entered the real world. You are no longer hidden among your files and forms. You must prepare for the consequences of your chosen life. I had hoped for a better player."
    Katrina bristled at the admonishment. "The inscription?" she asked.
    "Yes. Well, in short, it is a prayer dedicated to the dead of the Second World War. More specifically, to those slaughtered by the Nazis. That leads us to the current owner of the artifacts - a member of Hitler's elite SS. One Ulrich Kadner, known as Friedrich Heiden during the war. This file contains all his personal data and where to find him. It also details where he keeps the treasure. You should have no trouble, once you get into his compound."
    "What about security?"
    "Surprisingly good - considering where he is. The stress is on human, rather than electronic, surveillance. The tropical weather plays havoc with the equipment. Apparently, the plants grow quickly and can block the sensors in a matter of days. Also, the weather...I'm sorry," Mardinaud held up his hands. "I digress again. Regardless, I have included full details of the precautions Kadner has taken, including the number and placement of personnel. You should have no trouble getting in - with the proper equipment. Of course," he added with a smile, "getting out with the treasure is another issue."
    Katrina stood and picked up the file. The information broker reached out and grasped her arm with surprising speed and strength. "Remember. You are in the real world now."
    Katrina shook the plump, greasy hand from her arm and turned away.

    * * * * *

    Katrina replaced the telephone and reclined on the thick comforter. A late night flight or a flight the next morning, those were her choices. She closed her eyes and massaged her temples. If Mardinaud had not played his foolish game, she could have caught a flight this morning and already be on her way to Colombia.
    Her hand shook as she reached for a glass of water and she felt a wave of dizziness. My blood sugar is low, she thought. That's the problem. She knew she should have picked up something to eat. Once she ate, she would recover.
    Her best course of action was to get into her rental car and drive to Frankfurt. The sooner she arrived in Colombia, the better off she would be. Sitting in this cramped hotel room would do nothing to build her confidence.
    She glanced at the open file beside her on the bed. One look at the sheet of security specifications and she flopped back against the headboard.
    Kadner's compound was a fortress. A small army of experienced, well armed men guarded him constantly. Getting in was impossible, getting out was slightly more difficult. Why rush to Colombia with no plan in mind?
    She would spend another night in Munich. Spend the time sleeping and studying the file. With food and rest, she could overcome her nervousness at being in the field again. All she needed was some time to build herself up, to acclimate herself. Once she could think without the distraction of nerves, she could analyze the defenses of the compound. The weakness was there and she would find it.

Chapter 9 - BEER GARDENS AND BRIEFINGS

    Duman walked slowly along the pathway beside the Isar River. The night was warm and fragrant, almost as sweet smelling as the large breasted Fraülein walking beside him. He slipped his arm around her thick waist, letting his hand ride up to her breast. She smiled wickedly at him as she