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Thorvaldsen had sat silent long enough. He stood. “You can’t believe that these revelations, even if proven, would have such far-reaching effects. What else is there that so interested the Political Committee?”
Herma
And the smile that curled on the old man’s thin lips caused Thorvaldsen to pause.
“That’s right, Henrik. There is another aspect. One that will bring the Christians into the fight, as well.”
FIFTY-EIGHT
VIENNA
10:50 PM
ALFRED HERMANN CLOSED THE DOOR TO HIS PRIVATE APARTMENT and removed his robe and neck chain. Their combined weight taxed his tired limbs. He laid the garments across his bed, pleased with the Assembly. After three hours, the members had finally begun to understand. The Order’s plan was both grandiose and ingenious. Now he needed to back up his explanation that the proof would be forthcoming.
But he was begi
He hadn’t heard from Sabre in far too long.
Anxiety twisted his stomach. An unfamiliar feeling. To regain momentum, he’d accelerated his timetable. This might well be his last grand endeavor as Blue Chair-his tenure was drawing to a close. The Order of the Golden Fleece was about opportunity and success. Many a government had been altered, a few even toppled, so that the collective could thrive. What he’d concocted might well bring a few more to their knees, perhaps even the Americans themselves if he played his hand with skill.
He’d known Thorvaldsen might be a problem, which was why he’d ordered Sabre to prepare a financial dossier. Sitting in the schmetterling haus the day before, watching Sabre dutifully agree to the task, he’d never believed Thorvaldsen would be so aggressive. They’d been long-standing acquaintances. Not necessarily close friends, but certainly compatriots. Somehow, though, the Dane had quickly linked what happened in Copenhagen to him and the Order.
He hadn’t expected that a trail existed.
Which made him wonder about Sabre.
How careless had the man been?
Or was it intentional?
Margarete’s warnings about Sabre rang through his mind. Too much freedom. Too much trust. Why hadn’t his acolyte called? The last he knew, Sabre was on his way to London, by way of Rothenburg, to find George Haddad. He’d tried calling several times, but had been unsuccessful. He needed Sabre. Here. Now.
A light rap on the door.
He stepped across and turned the knob.
“Time we talk more,” Thorvaldsen said to him.
He agreed.
Thorvaldsen stepped inside and closed the door. “You can’t be serious with all this, Alfred. Do you have any idea what your pla
“You’re speaking like a Jew, Henrik. That’s your flaw. Blinded by God’s supposed promises. Your so-called entitlement.”
“I’m speaking as a human being. Who knows if the Old Testament is correct? I certainly have no idea. But the Islamic world will not tolerate any suggestion that its holiest earth was soiled by Judaism. They will react violently.”
“The Saudis,” he said, “will be given a chance to bargain before any information is released. That’s our way. You know that. The violence will be their fault, not ours. Our aim is purely profit. The Political Committee believes a great many economic concessions can be obtained that will benefit our members. And I agree.”
“This is insanity,” Thorvaldsen declared.
“And what do you plan to do?”
“Whatever I have to.”
“You don’t have the backbone for this fight, Henrik.”
“I might surprise you.”
Herma
“And you think you can affect those?”
“I’m fairly confident I can cause trouble.”
“My net worth easily matches yours.”
He smiled. “But you value reputation. Unthinkable that one of your companies be perceived as a failure.”
“You’re welcome to try, Alfred.”
He realized that they each possessed billions of euros, most accumulated by ancestors, each of them now a faithful steward. And neither a fool.
“Remember,” Thorvaldsen said. “I have your daughter.”
He shrugged. “And I have you and the boy.”
“Really? You willing to risk her life?”
Herma
“And I know you’re a bigot.”
A bolt of anger rocked him. “You’ve never spoken to me like this before.”
“I’ve always known how you felt, Alfred. Your anti-Semitism is obvious. You try to shield it-after all, there are several Jews in the Order-but it’s clear.”
Time to end all pretense. “Your religion is a problem. Always has been.”
Thorvaldsen shrugged. “No more so than Christianity. We just gave up our warring ways and watched while Christians killed more than enough in the name of the risen Lord.”
“I’m not a religious man. You know that, Henrik. This is about politics and profit. And those Jews in the Order? That’s what they care about, too. Not one voiced any opposition in the Assembly. Israel is an impediment to progress. Zionists are terrified of the truth.”
“What did you mean about the Christians also being involved?”
“If the Library of Alexandria is found, there are texts that could well expose the entire Bible for the fraud that it is.”
Thorvaldsen did not seem convinced. “You might find that result a bit difficult to obtain.”
“I assure you, Henrik. I’ve thought this through completely.”
“Where is the Talons of the Eagle?”
He threw the Dane a look of approval. “Well done. But he’s outside your control.”
“But not yours.”
He decided to make his point. “You ca
“Perhaps I need to make myself clear. My family endured the Nazi occupation of Denmark. Many of them were killed and we killed many Germans. I’ve faced challenge after challenge. I personally care nothing for Margarete. She’s an arrogant, spoiled, unintelligent woman. My friend Cotton Malone, his son, and my adopted homeland are my concern. If I need to kill her, then I shall.”
Herma
“I can show you something.”
“You need to stop this.”
“There’s more at stake here than simply furthering our business interests.”
“Then show me.”
“I’ll have it arranged.”