golden boys, I think you call them. Looking for a temporary love nest,
that's all. They're all over Berlin.'
'No matter!' the Russian snapped, grasping Hauer's meaning at last.
'They have trespassed on Soviet territory, and they must be interrogated
at our headquarters in East Berlin.' He motioned to his men. The
rifles jerked back up instantly. He barked an order and started
marching toward the parking area.
Hauer had no time to consult his superiors as to legalities, but he knew
that allowing Russian soldiers to drag two of his fellow countrymen into
the DDR without any semblance of a trial was something no West Berliner
with an ounce of pride would do without a fight.
Glancing,around, he tried to gauge the sympathies of the NATO squads.
The Americans looked as if they might be with him, but Hauer knew he
couldn't rely on that if it came to a fight. Force would probably be
counterproductive in any case, he thought; it usually was. He'd have to
try a different tack.
Five steps carried him to the departing Russian. He grasped the burly
man by his tunic and spun him around.
'Listen, Sergeant,' he whispered forcefully, 'or Major or Colonel or
whatever the hell you are. These man have committed no serious offense
and they certainly pose no threat to the security of this site.
I suggest we search them, then book them into one of our stations just
like anybody else. That way we keep the press out of it, understand?
Pravda?
izvestia? If you want to make an international incident out of this,
you're quite welcome to do it, but you take full responsibility.
Am I clear?'
The Russian understood well enough, and for a moment he considered
Hauer's suggestion. But the situation was not so simple now. He had
gone too far to back down in front of his men. Ignoring Hauer, he
turned to his squad.
'These men are suspected enemies of the Soviet Union!
They will remain'in Soviet custody until the objective of their mission
has been determined! Corporal, put them aboard our bus!'
Furious but outgunned, Hauer thought quickly. He had dealt with Russian
officers for more than twenty-five years, and all his experience had
taught him one lesson: the communist system, inefficient as it was, had
grown proficient at breeding one thing out of its citizens-individual
initiative.
This Russian had to be reminded that his actions could have serious
international implications. With two fingers Hauer removed his Walther
from its holster and handed it to an astonished Weiss with a theatrical
flourish. Again, the Soviet riflemen paused uncertainly, their eyes
riveted on the unpredictable policeman.
'We have a stalemate, Comrade!' Hauer declared loudly.
'You wish to keep these men in Soviet custody? Very well!
You now stand on the only plot of Russian soil in West Berlin-an
accident of history that will soon be rectified, I think. You may keep
the prisoners here for as long as you wish-' The Russian slowed his
march.
'-however crossing into the DDR with two citizens of the Federal
Republic is an entirely different matter-a political matter-and quite
beyond my power or yours to authorize. The prisoners must remain here
until we have contacted our superior officers! I shall accompany you to
the command trailer, where we can make the necessary calls.' Hauer
looked over his shoulder. 'I would also suggest to the British sergeant
that he join us, as we are in the British sector of the city.'
Hauer started toward the trailer. He didn't intend to give the Russian
time to argue. 'Apfel!' he shouted. 'Weiss!
Drive everyone back to the station, then go home! I'll handle the
paperwork on this!'
'But Captain!' Weiss protested.
'Go! '
Hans grabbed Weiss's sleeve and pulled him toward the van. The dazed
recruits followed, their eyes on Hauer as he marched toward the trailer.
The British sergeant, suddenly made aware of his responsibility,
conferred with his men, a couple of whom restlessly fingered their
Browning HiPower pistols.
Bristling with fury, the Russian ordered his men to follow Hauer with
the prisoners. it made a strange parade. Hauer, unarmed, strode
purposefully toward the command trailer, while the Russians-looking a
bit sheepish in spite of being armed to the teeth-herded their rumpled
prisoners along behind. The British brought up the rear.
The American master sergeant stood with his hands on his hips, shaking
his head in amazement. 'That Kraut is one smooth son of a bitch,
gentlemen. I hope y'all were paying attention. He may be wearing a
cop's uniform, but that man is a soldier. Yes, sir, I'd bet my stripes
on it!'
The American was right. As Hauer marched toward the trailer, every inch
of his ramrod bearing bore the indelible stamp of military discipline.
Nothing betrayed the turmoil he felt knowing that the only thing
stopping the angry Russian from taking control of the prisoners was the
ring of men and steel at the checkpoints leading out of the
city@ertainly not one headstrong police captain just six weeks from
retirement.
inside the police van Hans calmed down a little. He pulled into the
Wilheimstrasse, then wheeled onto the Heerstrasse, heading east.
For a time no one spoke. Hauer's actions had unnerved them all.
Finally Weiss broke the silence.
'Did you see that, Hans?'
'Of course,' he said tersely. The sheaf of papers felt like a kilo of
heroin strapped to his leg.
'Old Hauer stepped in front of those machine guns like they weren't even
there,' said one of the younger men.
'I kind of got the feeling he'd done it before,' mused Weiss.
'He has,' Hans said flatly.
'When?' asked a chorus of surprised voices.
'Quite a few times, actually. He works Hostage Recovery for Special
Tasks Division.'
