Death And The Maiden

26

The Commissioner’s expression was incredulous.

‘Lueger knew that Rosenkrantz intended to terminate the life of their unborn child?’

‘That is what Professor Saminsky believes, sir,’ Rheinhardt answered.

‘Well, well, well.’

‘The Christian Social Party espouses traditional values: church, fatherland and family. If this unfortunate …’ Rheinhardt selected an inoffensive euphemism, ‘… sequel to the mayor’s association with Rosenkrantz had been reported in the newspapers, Lueger would have lost the support of many loyal followers. Rosenkrantz was not stable. Her mood was volatile and she suffered from a medical condition which modern doctors think of as a mental problem.’

‘Information that could equally have been used to the mayor’s advantage, had allegations been made.’

‘Rosenkrantz was adored by the public, feted for her portrayal of tragic heroines and doomed lovers. Attempting to discredit her would have been hazardous.’

‘True, but not as hazardous as killing her!’

Rheinhardt confronted the commissioner’s hard stare.

‘Sir: given Herr Geisler’s statement, and what Professor Saminsky disclosed this afternoon, it would be an unconscionable dereliction of duty if we failed to pursue the course of action that now plainly suggests itself.’

The commissioner picked up a dagger-shaped letter opener. For one horrible moment Rheinhardt thought that his superior had summarily resolved to settle the debate with an act of mindless violence. Instead, Brugel ran his finger along the blunt edge and emitted a low grumbling noise. ‘Very well, Rheinhardt, you can go to the town hall.’

Rheinhardt expelled a lungful of air which he had been unconsciously retaining.

‘Thank you, sir. I will undertake the interview accompanied by Herr Doctor Liebermann.’

The commissioner’s face twisted into an ugly sneer.

‘What? I don’t think that’s such a good idea.’

‘His observational skills have served us well on many occasions.’

‘Yes, yes, yes,’ said Brugel dismissively. ‘I know all that!’

‘Then why, may I ask, do you object?’

‘He’s a Jew, Rheinhardt! What kind of reception do you think he’s going to get in the mayor’s office?’

‘I am sure that Doctor Liebermann is fully aware of the mayor’s views on the Jewish question.’

‘That wasn’t my point. Think about what you’re hoping to achieve, Rheinhardt, and how best to go about it. You don’t want to get the mayor’s hackles up as soon as you arrive, do you?’

‘With respect, sir, under the circumstances I doubt that the mayor will be very pleased to see either of us.’

The commissioner lifted some papers which earlier had been laid over a bowl filled with manner schnitten biscuits. He selected one and bit through the crisp wafers. A change of expression, more than could be reasonably attributed to the effect of hazelnut praline, suggested that some new idea had just occurred to him. Brugel’s rigid features softened and, smiling in a way that could only be described as untrustworthy, he declared: ‘All right, as you wish. Take Liebermann with you.’

Rheinhardt wanted to ask the commissioner what it was that had made him change his mind, but he decided, on reflection, that it would probably be unwise to ask. He accepted the concession with a brusque nod and the silence that followed was prolonged and awkward. When the commissioner had finished eating his biscuit, he knocked some crumbs from the wiry outgrowths of his mutton-chop whiskers, and said, ‘What you’re doing, Rheinhardt …’

The tentative sentence was never completed and its ambiguity permitted several interpretations.

‘Yes, sir?’ Rheinhardt prompted, eager for some kind of resolution.

The commissioner placed the letter opener by the biscuit bowl, linked his hands together and shifted his bulk forward.

‘You understand, I hope, that this situation must be handled with extreme care. If you have been misled, which is always possible, then the mayor’s office will raise questions concerning your competence. I am approving your request, but I do so not without reservation. Please remember that I said that, Rheinhardt: not without reservation. At some point in the future it is possible that you will be asked about this conversation, and I need to know that your recollection of my exact words will be accurate. A man in my position depends on the judgement of his team. I am assuming that the evidence, as you have presented it to me, is of a certain standard. I cannot be held responsible if it transpires that you have been presumptuous or naive. In the event of a formal complaint being issued by the mayor’s office, you cannot expect me to interpose myself between you and the town hall. Is that clear?’

Rheinhardt stood up, bowed and clicked his heels.

‘Thank you for your support, sir.’

The remark was impertinent. But Rheinhardt guessed that, this once, he would probably get away with it.