The Secret Crown

unique perspective since he used to be a border guard at the Berlin Wall so he knew what would be looked for. In recent years, the forger’s son had entered the family business, but unlike his father, he specialized in artwork and older documents.

Payne smirked. He was quite familiar with Kaiser’s services. ‘Although I appreciate the offer, both of us know that’s not the best way to go.’

‘I never said it was. I’m just letting you know it’s an option.’

‘Thanks, but no thanks,’ Payne said, trying to distance himself from the topic. ‘But if you think of something legal, be sure to let us know.’

Mueller’s assistant answered the encrypted satellite phone in the front seat of the Mercedes Benz limousine. The custom-built car had more safety features than the Popemobile. Armour-plated doors, bulletproofed, non- splinter, multi-layered windows, a fuel-tank safety system, run-flat tyres, and a remote starting system that could be activated from a distance of 300 metres – just in case an explosive device had been wired to the ignition. To some people, equipment like this would be overkill. But in Mueller’s line of work, it was essential.

He made enemies every day, and most of them were criminals.

Gazing at the Binnenalster, one of two artificial lakes in Hamburg, Mueller sipped his morning coffee in the back of the limo while pondering his hectic schedule. Rarely awake before noon since most of his business was done at night, he wasn’t in the mood to speak to anyone except the arms dealer he was about to meet in the park. If all went well, Mueller would make seven figures before lunch.

‘Sir,’ said his assistant over the intercom system, ‘there’s a call for you.’

Annoyed by the interruption, Mueller jabbed the button. ‘Who is it?’

‘It’s Krueger. He has news from Bavaria.’

Mueller nodded his approval. Krueger was a trusted worker who wouldn’t call unless it was important. ‘Fine. Give him to me.’

With a flip of a switch, the soundproof partition behind the front seat was lowered. After handing the phone to his boss, the assistant raised the partition to its original position.

Mueller spoke to Krueger in German. ‘Yes?’

‘My apologies, sir. Sorry to disturb you so early.’

‘What is it?’

‘Over the past few days, I’ve noticed some unusual activity in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The type of activity that might interest you.’

‘Define unusual.’

‘Helicopters, sir. Both coming and going to the foot of Zugspitze.’

Mueller stroked his chin in thought. ‘Probably just a lost hiker. Nothing to be alarmed about.’

Krueger demurely disagreed. ‘I thought the same thing at first, but this morning’s chopper was more luxurious than the others. Just to be safe, I ran its tail number.’

‘And?’

‘It’s definitely not a rescue craft. This helicopter arrived from Switzerland.’

‘Switzerland?’ Mueller’s interest was piqued. ‘Did you learn the name of the owner?’

Krueger nodded. ‘The chopper belongs to Petr Ulster.’

‘Ulster?’ he said, trying to place the name. ‘Why is that so familiar?’

Krueger smiled. ‘Because he owns the Ulster Archives.’

17

Wanting to learn as much about the swan symbol as possible, Payne showed Ulster the back of the lid instead of one of the gold bars. He figured it would be less shocking that way. But as soon as Ulster saw the symbol, he snapped to attention.

‘Where did you find this?’ Ulster demanded.

‘Why? Do you recognize it?’

‘Of course I recognize it. It’s the black swan!’

Payne furrowed his brow. ‘Which is?’

‘Which is this!’ Ulster said as he repeatedly tapped the lid.

‘Yeah, I kind of figured that out. I meant, what does it represent?’

‘Please, help me to my feet.’

Payne grabbed his hand and easily yanked him up.

‘Now, where did you find this? Show me at once!’

‘About that,’ Payne said, reluctant to break the potentially bad news. ‘I should prepare you for what you’re about to see. You’re not going to like it.’

‘I’m not?’

Payne shook his head. ‘Nope.’

Ulster lowered his voice to a whisper. ‘Is the crate filled with treasure?’

Payne nodded. ‘Dozens of gold bars.’

Ulster whooped with glee. ‘Brilliant! Just brilliant! I knew the rumours were true!’

Payne blinked a few times. ‘Rumours? What rumours? About your grandfather?’

‘My grandfather?’ he asked, confused. ‘Of course not! I’m talking about Ludwig.’

‘Ludwig? Who in the hell is Ludwig? I thought your grandfather’s name was Conrad.’

‘My grandfather’s name was Conrad. But I’m talking about Ludwig!’

Payne shook his head, completely baffled. Not only about Ulster’s excitement, but also about Ludwig – whoever that was. ‘Hold up! Tell me what you’re talking about.’

‘In a moment. First, show me where you found this.’

Payne led Ulster to the crate of gold, where they were greeted by Jones and Kaiser. Having heard the commotion on the other side of the chamber, Jones was ready to console Ulster, but one look at his face told him it wasn’t necessary. Ulster was far from distraught.

‘It’s beautiful!’ Ulster grabbed one of the bars and held it up to the light. His smile gleamed as he ran his fingers over the stamp. ‘And look! It has the mark of the swan!’

Payne met his gaze and shrugged. The term meant nothing to him.

Undeterred, Ulster glanced at Jones and Kaiser, expecting to see a glint of recognition in their eyes. But they stared at him as though he was speaking a foreign language.

Ulster continued. ‘Don’t you know what this is? It’s an explanation!’

‘An explanation?’ Payne asked.

Ulster nodded. ‘An explanation of my grandfather’s journal.’

Payne grimaced, getting more and more confused. ‘Speaking of explanations …’

‘Yes, of course, how silly of me! Here I am rambling on and on about the black swan, yet it’s painfully obvious that none of you know what I’m talking about.’ Ulster pointed at Jones. ‘Although I must admit, I thought you might get the reference.’

Jones winced. ‘Why? Because I’m black?’

Ulster blushed at the insinuation. ‘Good heavens, no! I meant because you’re a history buff, not because you’re, um …’

‘Relax, Petr! I was just teasing.’

Ulster breathed a sigh of relief. ‘Thank goodness! I thought perhaps I had offended you.’

‘Of course not,’ said Jones, who had a history of teasing everyone. ‘To answer your question, I’m not familiar with the black swan.’

Ulster turned towards Kaiser. ‘What about you? You’ve lived in Germany for a while now. In all that time, you’ve never heard of the black swan?’

‘Nope.’

‘What about the Swan King?’

Kaiser shook his head. ‘Sorry. I’ve been busy.’

Ulster sighed in frustration. ‘Perhaps it’s an American thing. Because children in Europe are taught about the Swan King in primary school.’