The Passenger Read Free Page A

snorted with contempt. Then, turning to face Lorenz, he raised his arm once again. ‘Heil Hitler.’ His ascent was reminiscent of a spider running up a web. The ladder was retrieved and the shadowy figures looking down from above dispersed. Lorenz inclined his head. ‘Commander Sutherland, Herr Professor Grimstad, I am Kapitänleutnant Siegfried Lorenz, the commander of this vessel. Allow me to escort you to your new quarters.’ They remained expressionless, their eyes giving no indication as to what they might be thinking.
    The prisoners were ushered onto the bridge and down through the conning tower hatch. Lorenz noticed that Sutherland was attempting to avoid putting weight on his bad leg. The interior was illuminated by a red light that made the watchful crew look like a troop of demons.
    Richter, one of the mechanics, was undertaking minor repairs, and when he turned to gawk at the arriving prisoners he dropped a heavy wrench which bounced on the rubber link matting and came to rest at Sutherland’s feet. The British commander moved swiftly for an injured man. He genuflected and was suddenly standing upright with the tool in his hand. The circle of men tensed, butSutherland simply gestured for Richter to take it back. When the mechanic grasped the dimpled handle he found that he had to pull it hard to free it from Sutherland’s grip.
    â€˜The English place a very high value on common courtesies,’ said Lorenz.
    Richter bowed and said, ‘Thank you, sir.’
    Sutherland studied the mechanic for a few seconds, showing no emotion, and turned away.
    â€˜Let us proceed,’ said Lorenz. From the control room the prisoners were marched in single file toward the bow, passing along the officer’s mess and between the bunk beds beyond. Cured meats and hard cheeses hung from the overhead, and these had to be pushed aside to make progress. They arrived in the forward torpedo room.
    â€˜Well, gentlemen,’ said Lorenz, speaking in English and sweeping his hand around the restricted space. ‘I’m afraid that this is all I can offer you. You’ll have to sit on the linoleum, but should a hammock or bunk become available you’ll be permitted to lie down. It’s not ideal, I realize that. But I’ve troubled to accommodate you some distance from the engine room—so sleep isn’t completely out of the question. We are not accustomed to entertaining guests; however, I suspect that you will find us better hosts than the Schutzstaffel, who are not renowned for their hospitality.’ Sutherland’s injuries were horribly vivid. His right eye was surrounded by livid bulges and his lips were crusted with carbuncles of dried blood. Lorenz noticed a pattern of crossing lines on the man’s forehead and supposed that they would match the underside of Friedrich’s boot.
    Lorenz continued, ‘Your leg has been hurt. We don’t have a doctor on board, but one of the crewmen can perform basic medical duties. I can send him to examine you—if you wish?’ Sutherland shook his head. ‘Very well.’ Lorenz looked from Sutherland to Grimstad. ‘Are you thirsty?’ he asked, reverting to German. ‘Do you want something to eat?’ Neither of the captives replied. ‘Allright, suit yourselves. You can have breakfast along with the rest of us in due course. Kruger?’
    â€˜Kaleun?’
    â€˜Keep an eye on our guests.’
    â€˜Should I tie them up?’
    â€˜Tie them up? Where do you think they’re going to run?’
    Lorenz made his way back to the control room, passing men who looked at him quizzically. After calling out instructions for the boat to be turned around, he spoke to the navigator. ‘Plot a course for Brest. The most direct route possible.’
    Müller picked up the compasses and parallel ruler. ‘Really?’
    â€˜Both engines, full speed ahead.’ The public address system crackled