right equipment for that. As to the cover story, I suggest we handle that in Tel Aviv as part of the operation structuring.”
“That's OK with me,” said Eric.
Benny added, “During the EEI period, even before we go into planning, we'll need a native German from this area, preferably someone who understands police jargon. I need to study the police routine here.”
“I can take care of that,” said Eric. “We'll record one or two days worth of police-radio activity. You could take it home with you for analysis.”
“What about a cover story during the EEI period?” I insisted.
“We'll fabricate something. In fact my men are working on it as we speak,” said Eric.
“Good,” concluded Benny. “Are your men here? Mine are outside.”
Tom and Jeff were called in, and Benny brought in Shimon, a skinny, dark Israeli with a wide smile. He looked as if he could infiltrate a keyhole.
Eric pointed to his guys. “They'll do the intelligence first, and Dan will join them.”
Benny nodded and said “OK, Shimon, what about you?”
“I'll do some research on my own. I'm a burglar, remember?”
“I guess we're set for now,” said Eric. “The next meeting will be here later today. Let's make it at eight tonight.”
I went outside and Tom drove me back in his cab. I knew what I wanted to do. I'd been a lone wolf for a long time. As a child I had learned the Jewish sage's wisdom: “If I'm not for myself, who will be for me? And if not now, when?”
“Tom,” I said, “change of plans. Take me to the bank, but let me off before we get there. I want to check out a few things.”
Tom looked like a serious Robin Williams. “What do you mean?” he asked.
“Well, I've been inside the bank twice, so I know my way. I can wander around and get a better view of the security arrangements. The bank is open for business, so my presence shouldn't raise any suspicion. I'd be just another customer.”
Tom said, “I don't have to remind you that if you're caught, you're on your own. Even so, I think you should talk to Eric about it; you could risk the entire operation.”
“Don't worry,” I said. “I intend to go back to the second floor to see what the visible security arrangements are and anything else I can learn. I met with Guttmacher, including one unscheduled meeting, so if I'm stopped I can always ask to see Guttmacher again.”
He said nothing and dropped me off a block from the bank as requested. I entered a cafe across the street and went to the pay phone at the back where I searched the Munich yellow pages for a “spy store,” one of those shops that sell gadgets to real and wannabe detectives and spies. That kind of place would have a wide array of electronic surveillance equipment. There were two such stores listed. I wrote down the names and left the cafe.
The first store on the list turned out to be only a short walk away. I noticed that dark clouds had begun to gather, and it had suddenly gotten a lot colder. I didn't have my coat with me and I ended up dashing the last few blocks as rain began to fall.
I browsed around the shop for a bit and finally bought ultraviolet powder and two ultraviolet light bulbs. Ultraviolet long-lasting detection powder is designed for the detection and identification of stolen items. The substance is invisible to the eye, and even when a small amount is applied on any surface its particles attach to the hand or object that touched it. Just dusting it can mark an article. When exposed to ultraviolet light, the item and anyone who touched it are easily identified. This is an excellent tool for small objects such as currency, paper, clothing, and any other surface.
By the time I left the shop, it was pouring and chilly. “Where the hell did I leave my coat?” I grumbled to myself as I hailed a cab to get back to the bank. Then I remembered where I had left it.
During the ride, I opened the powder bottle and sprinkled some on a paper napkin I had taken from the cafe.
At the bank, I went straight to the second floor. Guttmacher's sour-faced secretary was there. “Good afternoon,” I said. “I was here yesterday, and I'm afraid I left my coat in Mr. Guttmacher's office. I gave it to Mr. Guttmacher when we went into the meeting, so it should be somewhere in his office.” My forgetfulness was very helpful now. I decided that I'd unconsciously done it on purpose.
“Mr. Guttmacher is not in, but I can look for it,” she said, and opened the door to his office. I followed her and quickly checked out the room. The radio pen was still in the holder on Guttmacher's desk, as neat and clear of paper as one would expect.
There were no cameras or blinking red lights on the ceiling or walls. “Herr Wooten,” said the secretary, opening a closet, “there are several coats here. Please help yourself.”
I looked in the closet. Three coats were hanging on a rod, including mine.
“That's mine,” I said, and as I took it off the hanger I saw my prize: a steel vault on the back wall of the closet. I wanted to kiss the secretary, or my coat, but neither deserved it. I pulled the paper napkin from my pocket and surreptitiously smeared the vault's lock as I put my hand through my coat sleeve. I made sure Sour Puss didn't see.
“Thanks so much,” I said as I walked out, “You've been a great help.” I waited for a few minutes on the ground-floor hallway near the side exit to the street, until the place cleared out for a moment. I then quickly replaced the bulb in a wall light next to the exit door with the UV bulb. With some luck, if I were standing in the right position outside the bank my powder trick would work. I could spot anyone who touched the vault and used that exit.
I crossed the street and waited, leaning against a wall, pretending to read a newspaper. Two hours went by but no luck. Also, the newspaper was in German, of which I understood little, in print anyway. I was about to give up; I like cold climates but not when I'm dressed for spring and exposed to the relentless European autumn weather. But then suddenly the bank's exit glowed. A woman walked out the door with shiny hands. I took my camera and snapped her picture, then crossed the street just in time to see her catch a bus. I couldn't get a clear view of her but I was sure that it was not Sour Puss. I looked for a cab to follow her. The rain closed out that plan. The bus was long gone by the time I found a cab.
I went back to my hotel. As soon as I walked into my room I caught the unmistakable odor of cigarettes. Anyone who'd ever smoked and quit, like I had, would recognize that stale and bitter smell. Someone had been in my room and whoever it was had been smoking. People don't recognize that they leave odors behind. The smell had been on their clothes and now it was in the air. I checked the bathroom and the closets. All empty. I bolted the door and checked my room safe. The hair was missing. I froze. Then I opened the safe. My magazine was still there. I closed the safe. I took the credit-card-size bug detector Eric gave me and attached it to my telephone. The readings were negative. I couldn't trust the test as conclusive, though. Telephone PBX systems in offices and hotels sometimes send false-negative signals to bug detectors. I went with the bug detector around the room; near the television, the paintings on the walls, the drapes, the lamps, and the desk. Nothing.
I then checked my luggage; it was obvious someone had been through my things. Whoever it was was apparently more interested in my luggage itself than in its contents, because I saw that the rims of my luggage were slightly opened. I checked it with the bug detector. Nothing.
Although I still had a few hours before the 8:00 P.M. meeting at the safe house, I thought I should leave my room immediately. Obviously I was being watched, and I couldn't use the phone until I was sure it was safe. I dusted the safe and my luggage with the UV powder and left the room.
I went outside to check the surroundings. I thought I saw the same Middle Eastern-looking man I'd seen earlier. I went into a cafe across the street and used the house phone to call Eric.
“It's Dan. I'm across from my hotel. My room was searched and the room safe was opened. There are other developments.”
“Do you want to move?” asked Eric.
“No. I don't think that would be a good idea. Disappearing from the hotel would only let these guys know we're on to them. It would be wiser to continue playing the unsuspecting lawyer.”
“OK,” said Eric, “but I'll have to move the meeting tonight. The safe house we used earlier may have been compromised.”
