The Romanov Ransom

61

Wait,” Sam said as Remi started to make the call. “Make it a videoconference. This is important.”

“Are you keeping me in suspense on purpose?” she asked as the phone rang twice before it was answered, the video screen showing Selma at her desk.

Selma looked up at the camera over the top of her reading glasses, saying, “Mr. and Mrs. Fargo. I hope you’re not calling about the digital image. We’re not that fast.”

“I take it back about the key being a red herring,” Sam said. “If it weren’t for the key, we would’ve never found out that the tins are the key to a code. And why we need all three.”

“That fits with what Lazlo’s been thinking. The information on this Häussler name that Karl and Brand read about in the pilot’s logbook.”

Selma turned the camera so that it included Lazlo, who was sitting next to her at the desk, his attention focused on the paper he was holding. When he didn’t respond, she nudged him with her elbow. “Oh. Sorry,” he said, eyeing the camera. “I believe the chap we’re looking for is one Eckardt Häussler, a cryptographer working with the Allies during and after the war. If this is who Lambrecht was on his way to see, then, yes, it has something to do with a code. Regrettably, one I’ve not yet been able to decipher.”

“I may have the answer,” Sam said as the first few drops of rain splattered against the windshield. “Is it possible the numbers on the tins are part of an Enigma code? Or, rather, the key to the code that was used?”

Lazlo’s brows went up. “You may very well be right.”

“The Roman numerals on the one tin tell us which three of five rotors were used and in what order. The second tin — assuming we can clean up the digital image to read what’s on the bottom — would be the ring settings.”

“And the third?” Remi said. “The one we’re missing?”

Lazlo answered, “That would have the order of the wiring, the plugs. But with the third tin still missing, we have no way of knowing what’s stamped on the bottom. And, I’m afraid, the key to the other two — or, rather, what we’d need to decipher the letters — would be on that third tin.”

“Which is why I’m calling,” Sam said. “We found an Enigma machine — possibly the one they used — in the tunnels in Poland.”

“But it was destroyed,” Remi added.

“Mystery solved,” Lazlo said. “That’s got to be why Lambrecht was on his way to Häussler. Trying to figure out how to decipher the code without it. Unfortunately, that doesn’t help us much now.”

“Can’t we use a different machine?” Remi asked Lazlo. “There has to be a number of them in private collections and museums. If we can get one, you can decipher the letters.”

“Not that easy,” Sam said.

“Quite right,” Lazlo replied. “Assuming your theory is correct, even though we know which variant of the machine — three rotors versus four — and in which order — the start positions, et cetera, et cetera — we’re still missing one important variable — the order of the plugs wired into the machine, no doubt stamped on the bottom of that third tin.”

“The wiring?” Remi looked over at Sam. “The machine was smashed, but I distinctly remember seeing the wiring still plugged in.”

“You’re sure?” Lazlo asked.

“Positive. But I didn’t pay attention to the order. Did you, Sam?”

“I was paying more attention to the smashed rotors, but I definitely noticed exposed wires. The good news is, we know someone who can get some photos. If we’re lucky, it’ll narrow down the options.”

“Brilliant,” Lazlo said. “Any chance I can speak to him first? Might make things a lot easier.”

“Not a problem,” Sam replied, slipping his phone from his pocket. “I’ll give him a call while we still have you on video.”

A moment later, he had Gustaw on the line, and introduced Selma and Lazlo. Lazlo explained what they needed, finishing with, “Pay particular attention to the front of the machine, where the plugs and wiring are. If you can get photos before it’s moved, and from multiple angles, that should help. In case any of the plugs were dislodged when they tried to destroy it, it’s possible we can re-create the position.”

“Anything else?” Gustaw asked.

“I think that should do it,” Lazlo said.

“What about the Guard?” Sam added. “Any chance you can get in there without being followed?”

“I saw a few in town yesterday, so they’re still here,” Gustaw replied. “But no alerts on the cameras.”

“I’d rather be safe than sorry,” Sam said as Remi nodded her agreement. “We’re just outside Münster. We can fly into Wrocław.”

“What about the Russians?” Selma asked. “Wouldn’t that be quicker?”

Remi added. “Good idea. They’re still in Wrocław, waiting for Viktor to get out of the hospital.”

“Russians?” Gustaw said. “Did I miss something?”

Sam gave a quick explanation, ending with, “I’ll call Tatiana now and have her get in touch with you. I’m sure she’ll be happy to help.”