The Hunt

In Germany, 1933, Johann Ingersoll, star of screen and master of disguise, enjoys a sinister talent. It is one that lets him indulge a taste for cruel sex and casual murder. And one soon spotted by Hitler's brutal regime.

(The Hunt)

“The agents of Die Sechs Fuchse report only to Vierhaus and he reports only to me. The particular assignment we have in mind for you would, in the event war is imminent with the United States, paralyze their war effort and neutralize them. It would, we are certain, keep the United States out of the war. In other words, Hans, this mission could directly affect the outcome of our struggle. So, if you choose to accept and are successful, you will be the single most important war hero in the history of the Third Reich.”

Ingersoll’s excitement flooded over. He began to speak but Hitler held up a finger.

“Before you say anything, Hans Wolfe, you must understand if you accept this job, both Hans Wolfe and Johann Ingersoll must die. You would become a man without an identity. A number.”

“A number?”

“Willie Hitler said.

“You would be known only as Siebenundwanzig.”

“Twenty-seven? Why twenty-seven?”

“You will understand in time,” Vierhaus said.

Also by William Diehl

Thai Horse

Hooligans

Chameleon Sharky’s Machine

WILLIAM DIEHL

Mandarin

27

A Mandarin Paperback

27

First published in Great Britain 1990 by William Heinemann Ltd

This edition published 1991

Reprinted 1991 by Mandarin Paperbacks Michelin House, 81 Fulham Road, London SW3 ORB

Mandarin is an imprint of the Octopus Publishing Group

Copyright © William Diehl 1990

Grateful acknowledgement is made to the following for permission to reprint previously published material:

CPP/Belwin, Inc., and International Music Publications: An excerpt from the lyrics to “Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree” by Charles Tobias, Lew Brown, and Samuel. Stept. Copyright 1942, 1954 Robbins Music Corporation.

Copyright renewed 1970, 1982 Robbins Music Corporation All rights of Robbins Music Corp. assigned to EMI Catalogue Partnership. All rights controlled and administered by EMI Rohbins Catalog, Inc.

International copyright secured. Made in the USA. MI rights reserved. Used by permission. Purdy Bienstock Enterprises: An excerpt from the lyrics to “Strange Fruit” by Lewis Allen. Copyright 1939 Edward B. Marks Music Company.

Copyright renewed. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

MCA Music Publishing: An excerpt from lyrics to “Lover Man (Oh Where Can You Be),” words and music by Jimmy Davin, Roger “Eam” Ramirez, and Jimmy Sherman. Copyright 1941, 1942 by MCA Music Publishing,