Hitler's eyes flickered. He was clearly intrigued by Vogel's analysis.
Field Marshal Erwin Rommel was shaking his head. "A scenario such as yours would be a recipe for disaster, Captain Vogel. Even in spring the weather along the Channel coast can be extremely hazardous--rain, high winds, heavy seas. My staff has studied the patterns. If history is a guide, the enemy can expect periods of good weather for no more than three or four days at a time. If he attempts to build up his forces on an open beach, with no harbor and no sheltered water, the enemy will be totally at the mercy of nature. And no portable device, no matter how ingenious, will survive a springtime gale on the English Channel."
Hitler stepped in. "A fascinating discussion, gentlemen--but enough. Obviously, Captain Vogel, your agent needs to discover more about the project. I assume the agent is still in place?"
Vogel proceeded carefully.
"There is a problem, my Fuhrer," Vogel said. "The agent feels the British security forces may be closing in--that it may not be safe to remain in England much longer."
Walter Schellenberg spoke for the first time. "Captain Vogel, our own source in London says quite the opposite--that the British know there is a leak but have been unable to plug it. Your agent is imagining the danger at this time."
Vogel thought, Arrogant ass! Who's this great source the SD has in London? He said, "The agent in question is highly trained and exceptionally intelligent. I think--"
Himmler cut Vogel off. "Surely you don't assume Brigadefuhrer Schellenberg's source is less credible than your own, Captain Vogel."
"With respect, I have no way to judge the credibility of the brigadefuhrer's source, Herr Reichsfuhrer."
"A very diplomatic answer, Herr Captain," Himmler said. "But clearly your agent should remain in place until we know the truth about these concrete objects, wouldn't you agree?"
Vogel was trapped. To disagree with Himmler would be like signing his own death warrant. They could manufacture evidence of treason against him and hang him with piano wire like they did the others. He thought of Gertrude and the children. The barbarians would go after them too. He trusted Anna's instincts, but to pull her out now would be suicide. He had no choice. She would remain in place.
"Yes. I agree, Herr Reichsfuhrer."
Himmler invited Vogel for a walk around the grounds. Night had fallen. Beyond the sphere of arc light the forest was very dark. A sign warned not to stray from the footpath because of mines. Wind stirred the tops of the conifers. Vogel could hear a dog barking; it was difficult to tell how far away because the new snow reduced all sound to a dull muffle. It was bitter cold. During the tense meeting he had perspired heavily beneath his tunic. Now, in the cold, it felt as if his clothes had frozen to his body. He craved a cigarette but decided not to risk offending Himmler further for one day. Himmler's voice, when he finally spoke, was nearly inaudible. Vogel wondered if it was possible to bug a forest.
"A remarkable achievement, Captain Vogel. You are to be commended."
"I'm honored, Herr Reichsfuhrer."
"Your agent in London is a woman."
Vogel said nothing.
"It was always my impression that Admiral Canaris distrusted female agents. That he believed they are too susceptible to emotion for clandestine work and lack the necessary objectivity."
"I can assure you, Herr Reichsfuhrer, that the agent involved has none of those shortcomings."
"I must admit I find the practice of inserting female agents behind enemy lines a bit distasteful myself. The SOE persists in sending women into France. When they are arrested, I'm afraid the women suffer the same fate as the men. To inflict such suffering on a woman is regrettable, to say the least." He paused, cheek muscle twitching, and breathed deeply of the cold night air. "Your achievement is even more remarkable because you succeeded in spite of Admiral Canaris."
"I'm not sure what you mean, Herr Reichsfuhrer."
"What I mean is that the admiral's days at the Abwehr are numbered. We have been unhappy with his performance for some time. He is at least an incompetent. And if my suspicions are correct, he's a traitor to the Fuhrer as well."
"Herr Reichsfuhrer, I've never--"
Himmler cut him off with a wave of his hand.
"I know you feel a certain loyalty to Admiral Canaris. After all, he is personally responsible for your rapid rise through the ranks of the Abwehr. But nothing you can say now can possibly change my opinion of Canaris. And a word to the wise. Be careful when coming to the aid of a drowning man. You may be dragged under as well."