On the other hand, those who know him as Hans Wolfe in Munich think he is a businessman. To them, he is charming and generous. A totally different personality when he is away from the studios.”
“So, he is two different people then?”
Vierhaus nodded. “And apparently he has no problem switching back and forth.”
“A
“Yes, Fuhrer. And quite an athlete, too. Expert skier and swimmer, did some boxing in the army. An avid mountain climber and hunter.”
“Women?”
“A bachelor, but he has frequent affairs.”
“Not homosexual?”
“And he knows
“An obsession with him.”
“I hope he is not uncomfortable, being the odd card here this weekend. Everybody else knows each other.”
“I think that will appeal to him.”
“Oh?”
“It sets him apart from the rest of us. Reminds everyone he is the star.”
Hitler glanced at Vierhaus. “Not in
Vierhaus laughed. “He is egocentric, Fuhrer, not crazy.”
Hitler laughed and slapped his knee. “So, now the question is, will he do it?”
“I think,
Hitler nodded, then strolled back to the window. Far below he saw the Mercedes whisking up the narrow road, dust fluting out behind it.
“Ah,” he said, rubbing his hands together. His tone did not conceal his excitement. “The actor has arrived.”
“Excellent!” Vierhaus said. “The play begins.”
“Herr Ingersoll,” Vierhaus greeted the actor at the front door, “Welcome to the Eagle’s Nest.”
The hunchbacked professor stared intently at Ingersoll, who was surprisingly nonchalant. A cool Fellow, all right. He led the actor into the large foyer.
“And is this the real Ingersoll we’re meeting or another character you’ve created?” he asked with a smile.
Ingersoll shrugged off the question with a cryptic answer.
“Perhaps there
“Ah, you brought the film!” Vierhaus cried. “Excellent. The Fuhrer will be delighted. He has assigned you to the room opposite his, on the northwest corner. I think you will find the view breathtaking.”
“Thank you, Doctor.”
“You may thank him personally. He’s looking forward to meeting you.”
“And when will that be?”
“Not too long now. The Fuhrer likes to keep business to a minimum when he’s here. He sleeps late and reviews the morning reports. He usually comes down abut lunchtime.”
“Herr Professor, shall I take the film to the projection room?” one of the servants asked.
“Excuse me for a moment while I make sure everything is done properly,” Vierhaus said to Ingersoll and went off with the servants. Ingersoll was left alone in the hallway.
The actor was impressed by the cleanliness of the chalet. The wood floors were polished to a sheer and he saw not a speck of dust anywhere. Somewhere in the back of the house, a canary started warbling, then another joined in from somewhere else, then a cockatoo answered shrilly and another. There seemed to be birds everywhere, the house echoed with their chirping. Ingersoll strolled to the edge of the library and looked in. The books were all bound in leather. In the dining room, the table had been set for the evening meal. Ingersoll casually picked up a cup and looked at the bottom. The entire service was the finest Meissen china; each plate, saucer and up were engraved with Hitler’s initials and a swastika. The goblets and tea service were gold.
There were several valuable paintir.gs hanging in the downstairs rooms but one instantly galvanized Ingersoll’s stare. It was almost life size and framed in gold leaf. A shielded lamp ran the length of the top of the frame, casting s soft light down on the painting. The subject was dressed in a peasant blouse and a pink skirt, the colors bright and cheerful but not garish. A striking woman, young and exquisitely beautiful, he thought. There was a disarming sense of innocence in her pale blue eyes, yet a boldness in the arrogant tilt of her chin. Ingersoll felt himself aroused by her impish innocence, a spectacularly sensuous combination.
