<span style="font-style: italic"><span style="font-size: 150%; line-height: 116%;">Erlind's Penthhouse<br/>after the dinner<br/>Time: 2400<br/>----------<br/></span></span><br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">“Are you sure you do not want to come for a midnight tea?”</span>Paula seated herself in the back seat of a white Cadillac.<br/><br/>Erlind held the door open and leaned over to plant a kiss on the woman's forehead.<span style="font-style: italic">“I am sure. I have matters to attend in the morning and I need to get some rest.”</span>He smiled.<span style="font-style: italic">“My driver shall take you safely home.”</span><br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">“You sure you do not want us to drop you at your residence first? It is snowing again ... Or, or maybe we could walk back together!?” </span>Paula suggested pulling the door closed and rolling down the window.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">“Like you said dearest, it is snowing. I do not wish to see you ill. You know that I only need to cross the street to reach my home. I am happy that you've enjoyed our dinner tonight. We shall have more of these in a near future.”</span>Erlind pushed his hands inside the pockets of his red coat.<br/><br/>Paula nodded her head.<span style="font-style: italic">"... May I kiss you?"</span><br/><br/>The invitation sounded strange to his ears but he approved of it. He pulled the door open and his lips briefly came to brush her full lips, forming a gentle kiss. The kiss itself was empty of desire or longing. Taking the woman's feelings into consideration, Asmodeus felt that his plans were not going to work out. He may have to find a different way to get closer to his Seal and use one of his poisonous arrows to pierce the heart of the right suitor for Paula Hitler, one she could live a peaceful life with.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">“Sleep tight!”</span>He stood there for a little while, watching the white engine drive away.<br/><br/><br/>_________________________________________________________________________________________________________<br/><br/><br/>Walking up the stairs to his penthouse apartment, Erlind felt a gaze on him from across the hallway. Two Wehrmacht officers stepped forward and raised stiff hands to their heads, offering their military style salutes. Bareheaded, Erlind simply nodded his head offering respect to the Reichswehr and Wehrmacht protocol by not returning the salute unless he was wearing a uniform headgear.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">“What is the matter, gentlemen?”</span>He asked, eyebrows furrowing.<br/><br/>“Oberstleutnant Köhler, forgive our encroachment in such a late hour of the night, but we have been awaiting your arrival.” One of the two men said in a hushed voice.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">“If this is an urgency, then please do follow me inside.”</span><br/><br/>Erlind pushed the door to his residence open and allowed the two Officers inside. One of the two men forced a smile but it turned out miserable, the other one who seemed far calmer passed a letter to Erlind. The blonde one opened the envelope and began to read, thoughtfully, his face suddenly losing it's color.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">“What is your recommended cause of action, Herr Oberstleutnant?” </span><br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">“The truth is far more sinister than it appears, Herr Köhler. We must do something about this.”</span><br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">“Tomorrow...”</span>Erlind began, rubbing his face. He shuddered.<span style="font-style: italic">“But I know she is innocent. Certain truths are simply beyond your understandings. As for the other task, I know where they will be hiding. We could catch them by surprise.”</span><br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">“Herr Oberstleutnant, we do trust your judgement, but these are orders from the Fuhrer. As much as we live to cover your back, we hold no power over the Fuhrer's orders. She is to be held under arrest and questioned. Gestapo Officer Drechshler shall walk with you in the morrow.”</span><br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">“Ja! ...”</span>Erlind frowned and lowered his eyelids to the Persian-carpeted floor, voice trailing off. His right hand formed a tight fist around his bronze keys and his face betrayed the tension he felt. As soon as it is all over, Fabiano will not live long enough to see himself becoming the hero. He briefly touched his neck and added, eyeing the older of the two Officers. “Officer Zweigelt, assemble a squad of five men. We shall raid the church before noon.”<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">“The Church?”<br/><br/>“Aye, Zweigelt. St. Peter's Church ”<br/><br/>“How do you know they'll be there?”</span><br/><br/>Erlind advanced towards the door and pulled it open with tensing in his chest.<span style="font-style: italic">“Like you mentioned a few seconds ago Officer Zweigelt, you trust in my judgement. Have yourselves a goodnight Officers.”</span><br/><br/>In the somber atmosphere of his penthouse, the man advanced towards the condensed windows of his living room and took a smooth glance at the crowded streets with arms folded across his chest. The Charles Hotel stood in its splendor down the avenue. Erlind's eyes blinked twice, and his vision magnified to an eyesight estimation at 6 to 8 times stronger than that of the average human as he examined the people who walked out of the hotel. Suddenly, his rage pulsed high up in his throat.