The Shadowboxer Read Free Page B

Erik
ALIASES:
TANNEN, Eric
TANNER, Willy
TAN MAN
RAG MAN
RECEIVED:
16 January 1944
FROM:
SIPO-SD
    On 13 January 1944, at request of Gestapo-L5, SIPO-SD technicians initiated investigation of 9 January 1944 explosions at Concentration Camp Gusen.
    Laboratory analysis indicates chemicals used were similar to, if not identical with, LUFTWAFFE Research Center’s experimental liquid explosive TDL.
    (NOTE: On 18 December 1943, Luftwaffe Research Center reported small quantity of TDL and of TDS—experimental solid-state explosive—lost in transit.)
    Technicians believe TDL-like substance was added to kerosene tanks of emergency lanterns used in guard towers during first power failure. This assumption is reinforced by laboratory analysis of wick fragments taken from wreckage. Tests show that usual lantern wicking had been replaced by slow-burning cord fusing which possessed thickness and texture similar to original wicks’. Lighting of these fuses is believed to have acted as twenty- to thirty-seconds-delay detonator to explosive in fuel tank below.
    Investigation revealed camp protocol requires guard-tower emergency equipment, including lanterns, to be serviced or alternated in ten-day cycles. Camp records show that all lanterns in destroyed or damaged towers had been replaced on 6 January 1944, three days prior to explosions. Tower IX, the only structure not to have suffered an explosion, had neglected to exchange its lanterns of 6 January 1944. During blackouts it lit its aid lantern with no adverse effects.
    Examination of maintenance shops which service lanterns within Concentration Camp Gusen reveals that facilities are supervised by two Totenkopf guards, but operated by some 150 prisoners on rotating shifts. The particular area in which lanterns are tended is under no special security and is quite accessible to personnel other than those assigned to the maintenance shops.
    The cause of the first power failure prior to explosions has not yet been determined.
    Investigators disagree with Gestapo reports AC–14 77–418, establishing time of escape at 0100 hours, 9 January 1944. Re-interview of guards reveals a tendency to expand explosion times and general chaos. All technical evidence indicates electrical system back in operation by 0500 hours 9 January 1944. SIPO-SD analysts believe escape occurred sometime between 2345 and 2355 hours, 8 January 1944.
    Webber relaxed. He dried himself, wrapped his rosy body in a toweling bathrobe and made his way to the bedroom, carrying the dossier with him. Donning a pair of flaming-red silk pajamas, he climbed into bed.
    A hidden victrola was playing Debussy. He lifted his briefcase onto his lap, snapped open the cover and brought out two folders. To the right was his plan of capture, the Webber Proposition. To the left was the evidence he had amassed to argue his case. Both would have to be presented to the Council the next afternoon. He was tired. A decision would have to be made. The evidence file was the thinnest. He put the Webber Proposition back into the case and lowered it to the floor. He opened the manila envelope and looked down at the crossword puzzle. The solitary pink shaded night light over his head was insufficient. He scanned the room in vain for other lamps.
    Annoyed, he searched around him for light switches. He finally found a panel on the night table and slid it back. A line of six unmarked buttons lay revealed. He pushed the first.
    Debussy stopped. Four amber pin spots beamed down as the night light faded. Two Renoir nudes were illuminated on his right as a Vivaldi record began to play. Webber heard a rustling noise. He looked directly overhead. A horizontal curtain drew back, exposing a full-length mirror attached to the inside of the bed canopy.
    He pressed the next button. The room went black. The Vivaldi ended. A moment later it was replaced by war whoops and thundering hooves. Galloping Indians flashed on a screen facing the bed. The camera