The Caretaker's Bible

The

CARETAKER’S

Bible

R. L. Galbraith

The Caretaker’s Bible

Copyright © 2007, 2008 Richard L. Galbraith

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

It must be noted that 80 St. Martin Strasse, and 501 Marlybone Drive, are not in any way associated with Adolf Hitler or the Third Reich; they merely enhance the story line. Other than historically recognizable names, all other characters are the product of the author?s imagination.

iUniverse

1663 Liberty Drive

Bloomington, IN 47403

www.iuniverse.com

1-800-Authors (1-800-288-4677)

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any Web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

ISBN: 978-0-5954-5923-0 (sc)

ISBN: 978-0-5957-0028-8 (hc)

ISBN: 978-0-5959-0223-1 (e)

iUniverse rev. date: 01/17/2019

Contents

Chapter One Hagenmünster Monastery, Austria— 1939

Chapter Two Berlin—1939

Chapter Three Radda in Chianti, Italy – 1972

Chapter Four New York City—1972

Chapter Five New York City—1972

Chapter Six Berlin—1939

Chapter Seven Austria—1972

Chapter Eight Munich, Germany—1972

Chapter Nine Berlin—1940

Chapter Ten Italy, Austria—1972

Chapter Eleven Austria—1972

Chapter Twelve Munich—1972

Chapter Thirteen Berlin—1940

Chapter Fourteen Munich—1972

Chapter Fifteen Berlin—1945

Chapter Sixteen Bavaria—1972

Chapter Seventeen Freiburg, Germany—1950

Chapter Eighteen Munich—1972

Chapter Nineteen London, England—1972

Chapter Twenty Munich—1972

Chapter Twenty-One Florence, Italy—1972

Chapter Twenty-Two Florence—1972

Chapter Twenty-Three Florence—1972

Chapter Twenty-Four Florence—1972

Chapter Twenty-Five Bardolino, Italy—1972

Chapter Twenty-Six New York City—1972

Dedicated to Lynne, my wonderful wife,

who endured endless hours alone while I wrote this book.

Many thanks to my editors, Kurt Florman, Proof-It Professional Proofreading Services, and Daria Bessom, for their invaluable insight and professional editing. Also, many thanks to Stephanie Pieper who designed my cover. It’s truly awesome.

Captive souls are still the masters of their own thoughts.

— Heinrich Glossen

Suffering by nature or chance never seems so painful as suffering inflicted on us by the arbitrary will of another.

— Arthur Schopenhauer

The more unintelligent a man is, the less mysterious existence seems to him.

— Arthur Schopenhauer

If you are compelled to know the truth … then let nothing stand in your way.

— Brian Allen Bennett

Chapter One

Hagenmünster

Monastery, Austria—

1939

THE BITTER COLD WEATHER WAS accompanied by freezing rain, making the narrow roads difficult to travel. Heinrich Glossen sat in the rear of the second car of a small motorcade that slowly made its way to the entrance of a large monastery.

Glossen was anxious from anticipation, recoiling in his seat. His mouth was dry, and he asked to sit in the car for a few minutes longer when they arrived. He had waited for this moment for far too long.

When the pretentious delegation finally entered the front of the abbey, a representative of the Abbot greeted them. They were immediately escorted by the older monk to a reception room and asked to take a seat. Not used to being told what to do by anyone other than a Nazi, Glossen held his temper; trying to smile.

The meeting with the Abbot would be simple. Glossen asked to have an audience by himself and decided not to wear his uniform, which he thought would be less threatening. Handing a picture to the Abbot, he demanded to see the individual who had so meekly posed for it.

You want to speak to Brother Matthias, the Abbot said. May I ask why?

It is by decree of the Führer we talk to this person. I must remind you we have come a long way.

Yes, of course. The Abbot instructed one of his papal secretaries to find Brother Matthias.

Within several minutes, Glossen was escorted to a large room and the door was shut behind him. A monk dressed in a black robe was standing by the window. His hair was cropped short around the sides. When he turned toward Glossen, the Nazi’s breath was practically taken away. The likeness between Brother Matthias and Adolf Hitler was incredible. The only thing missing was the signature mustache. So, you are Brother Matthias?

May I help you? The smile was congenial and sincere.

I am here at the behest of the Führer. I only want to talk to you.

Brother Matthias’ smile disappeared. We do not recognize such people. We are not affiliated with Nazis.

Of course, I understand, but I am not here to hurt you. I only have questions I need answered.

I have nothing to say. Brother Matthias started to walk toward the door when there was a knock. One of Glossen’s associates handed him some papers, saying they just found them, and they appeared important. Glossen read over them quickly. He asked Brother Matthias to have a seat.

Where were you born? Glossen asked. Are you Austrian?

Yes, I was born here in the area.

Glossen glanced at a birth certificate. Were you born on April 20th, 1889?

Yes, I grew up in and around Linz.

Who were your parents? Glossen read over the note from a Brother Dimitrius.

Brother Matthias paused for a second. My parents were farmers and lived a fair distance north of the monastery. They were good and decent people who raised me to be subservient to God.

Are they still alive? Glossen asked nonchalantly.

Only my mother. Why?

I would like to talk to her.

Brother Matthias’ eyes squinted a bit and his jaws tightened. I will not let you do that. She is old and frail.

When did you decide you wanted to become a monk?

When I was very young, I was drawn to it because I attended school at the monastery. When I was old enough, I took the required classes to be a monk and then I dedicated my life to serving God.

Do you still believe you are acting in the interest of your God’s will?

Brother Matthias expected such a question from a Nazi and knew any answer he gave wouldn’t make sense to someone subservient to Adolf Hitler. I am as faithful to my God as you are to your so-called Führer.

This comment stuck like a dagger into Glossen’s heart. There is no God above our leader. How dare your righteous clergy criticize us! We and we alone will cleanse the Germans and the others we rule from their sins.

How can you deny God? Brother Matthias defiantly asked.

For a Nazi, it is not debatable. God does not exist. But the Führer does!

May I leave? I have nothing else to discuss.

Glossen reached into his coat pocket, brought out a small photo and handed it to the reluctant monk. I think this might look familiar to you.

Staring at it, Brother Matthias didn’t say a word.

I imagine it is like looking into a mirror, Glossen said.

Brother Matthias raised his eyes to Glossen for a second, and then looked back at the picture. The silence was eerie. Glossen waited patiently for the monk to say something.

Where did you get this?

I have had it for a long time. It is a picture of our Führer. But why is it that it looks exactly like you?

Brother Matthias was at a loss to say anything. He knew it was a spitting image of him. He couldn’t explain it, couldn’t reconcile it to himself.

Come, Brother Matthias, surely you can see the resemblance. Glossen smiled as he waited for a response. He didn’t get one. Why is it you look so much alike? Glossen read the note from Brother Dimitrius. What can you tell me about a baby left on the very doorstep of this monastery on the same day you were born? Please, I want to know everything.

I do not know what you are talking about, Brother Matthias replied.

Yes, of course you do. I think you were that baby, left to die, but spared by the loving arms of a monk.

Why would you think that?

Glossen studied his subject. I think you are Adolf Hitler’s twin brother. No one knows it, and no one can prove it, but I believe it is true.

Brother Matthias’ face dropped. It is not possible.

I understand why you would deny it. But you must face the facts.

It cannot be possible. The monk started to tremble at the idea he could be related to Adolf Hitler.

It is not only possible, Glossen suggested, it is the truth. I am convinced you were the baby left on the doorstep. I think it is extraordinary fate that led me here to find the twin brother of the Führer.

The monk stood and went over to the window. He looked at the picture, and then gazed at the image of his face in the glass. It wasn’t believable to him. How could it be? He was a man of God, and Hitler was a feared dictator.

Glossen went over and patted him on the shoulder. You must resign yourself to it. I admit it has to be difficult for you to understand, but it cannot be denied.

Brother Matthias turned around abruptly. What do you want from me?

We want what is best for you. It is only fitting you have the opportunity to meet your natural flesh and blood.

I have no desire to leave Hagenmünster.

Of course not, but the Third Reich awaits you. More important, your brother awaits you.

I will not leave here. This is my home. I have lived here my entire life.

Glossen knocked on the door and two Nazi foot soldiers came in. He asked them to watch over Brother Matthias until he returned.

Moments later, Glossen was standing in the Abbot’s office. No one must know where we are taking him. Is that understood?

He belongs here, the Abbot replied. He is doing God’s will.

I warn you. If you ever divulge where we have taken him, you will feel the wrath of the Third Reich. We will destroy you and this entire monastery. Perhaps it is best you forget he was ever here. I trust you will comply with my wishes.

The Abbot was speechless. He knew he had no choice but to let Brother Matthias go, and could take no action other than to ask God to watch over the monk.

In the early evening when the dusk began to turn to darkness, the motorcade departed much as it had arrived, except with the addition of a reluctant soul: a monk confused about who he had been, who he was, and who he was about to become.

Chapter Two

Berlin—1939

HEINRICH GLOSSEN STOPPED DEAD IN his tracks before entering the sanctuary of his office. It was two o’clock in the morning. He looked around, making sure no one was watching. He purposely left the frightened monk in his car with several security guards because he knew he couldn’t afford to make a mistake and show his hand before he was ready. Tired from a long day, he sat for a moment before he called the guards to bring in Brother Matthias.

Glossen reveled in the fact he actually pulled it off, finding and bringing the monk to the Reich Chancellery. He had no idea, even though he had studied the photo, how much Brother Matthias really looked like Adolf Hitler. It was incredible. Now Glossen believed he was in a position to change the dynamics of the Third Reich.

Two guards brought the monk into the office. Brother Matthias reluctantly sat in a small chair while the guards departed the room and said they would be waiting outside. Glossen stared at the monk like he was some sort of deity. Brother Matthias looked down at the floor. He barely said two words since he left the monastery.

Are you comfortable? Glossen asked.

I have no reason to be here.

Glossen winced. You will understand in due time.

I cannot believe what you have done.

Glossen smiled even though he was angered by the monk’s careless remarks. It is important for you to listen to what I have to say. You have a destiny that must be fulfilled. That is why I brought you here to Berlin.

My place is with my fellow monks at Hagenmünster. I demand you take me back.

There was a knock at the door. A young man, perhaps Brother Matthias’ age, came in and sat next to the monk.

I want to introduce your bodyguard. He will be with you at all times.

My name is Peter Duckert. It is good to meet you. The guard, a lieutenant in the Schutzstaffel, the SS, explained he had been chosen above all his peers to protect the monk. He was a dedicated security guard that pledged his life’s support to the Third Reich.

Peter has your best interests at heart, Glossen said. He will take care of you.

Brother Matthias showed a sign of a smile. I cannot believe for one moment you think I am somehow related to your Führer.

We believe it, or you would not be here in my office. I have wanted to bring you here for some time. I can assure you I have taken the proper precautions to keep your identity a secret until we can arrange a meeting with the Führer.

I cannot imagine he would want to meet a monk regardless of what you tell him about me.

You must allow us to make that determination, Glossen replied. We have already taken much into consideration. When the time is right, you will meet him.

Peter patted the monk on the back. You should not agonize over it. I am sure the meeting will go fine.

Glossen looked at his watch, and then said to the guard, We must take him to the hotel.

They traveled without fanfare along the streets in a small staff car. Arriving at the hotel, they ushered the monk in a side door while two security guards stood watch. They placed a blanket over Brother Matthias’ head, so no one could possibly see his face. Once inside the suite they set aside for the monk, they removed the blanket and told him to think of the hotel as a home away from home.

Glossen showed Brother Matthias around the suite. He explained he would not be allowed to leave unless under maximum escort and in disguise. The truth was he wouldn’t be allowed to leave until he had met with the Führer.

The security guards are here to protect you, Peter said.

Brother Matthias sat on the couch. Protect me from what?

Peter sat next to the monk. Surely you can see because of your likeness to the Führer, you could be taken advantage of by people who do not have your well-being in mind.

Glossen stood over the monk like an eagle looking for prey. Pay attention! This is important.

Please take me back to the monastery. That is all I ask.

It is not that simple, Glossen replied. You are not going anywhere. This is where you belong. Frustrated, Glossen decided to leave. Peter and several of his men stayed behind.

Several days later, in the early frost-laden morning, the Propaganda Minister, Joseph Goebbels, and a former SS soldier, Manfred Wormser, briefly visited Glossen in his office. He already reported his success with Brother Matthias to Goebbels, and they agreed no one else in the hierarchy should know about the monk for the time being. Goebbels was now concerned over recent events that could have been damaging to the Führer, especially since they invaded Poland.

There appears to be dissention in our ranks, Goebbels said.

Certainly, none of us, Glossen replied.

No, I mean the army. They are not to be trusted.

Why is that? Glossen asked.

Goebbels replied quickly. It is no surprise a number of general officers are at odds with the Führer. It could prove to be difficult.

Wormser, who had sat silently, decided to speak. Our Führer wants to attack the West, so he must have the full attention and dedication of our military services. It will not be easy.

Glossen replied, I wager to say there are many besides the army who are against such a hasty endeavor.

Perhaps, Wormser said, but Hitler knows what he wants to do and that is the end of it.

Glossen looked over at Goebbels. How should we proceed?

The Propaganda Minister sat in thought for a moment or so. We must ask for an audience with the Führer and convince him we are ready to do what it takes to meet his goals.

I am at your disposal, Glossen replied.

Immediately leaving the meeting, Glossen went to the hotel to see Brother Matthias. Peter met him at the door.

How is our monk?

He is depressed, Peter replied. You can understand that.

Of course, but he will change his mood when he realizes he is the twin brother of the Führer.

Are you sure?

Yes, I am positive. Glossen asked to speak to Brother Matthias, who was now confining himself to his bedroom.

Peter brought him out and told him to sit on the couch. Herr Glossen would like to talk to you.

What have I done?

He merely wants to see how you are doing.

Glossen didn’t hesitate. So, Brother Matthias, have you come to your senses?

About what?

Come now, you know what I mean. Have you now resigned yourself to the fact you are the Führer’s brother?

Of course not, how dare you insult me!

Glossen’s face became hot with rage; he looked like he would explode. Never use that tone of voice with me! You will do as I say and that can never be negotiable. He walked over to the wall behind the couch and pounded his fist against it so hard, it shook the room.

Peter leaned over and put his arm around Brother Matthias. This can be easy, or it can be excruciatingly painful. You must realize you will never leave here. It is forbidden. You must accept your fate.

But I know in my heart it is not true.

It is not up to you to judge, Glossen replied. We know the truth and that is all that matters.

All I have ever wanted to be is a priest. That is what I believe God wants me to become.

Glossen started to smile, then took it back. I understand what you think your destiny is, but your life is now part of a much larger scheme, I can assure you.

What can that possibly be?

You will know very soon now. Glossen grinned and shook his head.

It will be all right, Peter told the monk as he briefly smiled.

A week later, Goebbels, Glossen, and Wormser sat in a large waiting room preparing to talk to the Führer. They all appeared nervous, even though Goebbels talked to Hitler almost every day. Goebbels requested the audience and Hitler agreed without much hesitation, seemingly amenable to such a meeting.

Once inside the elaborate office, they were asked to sit in three small chairs strategically positioned in front of the Führer’s desk.

Hitler stood by the side of his desk for a moment before he sat in his chair. What have you come to tell me? I simply want to know why the three of you needed to see me on such short notice.

Goebbels replied, Yes, mein Führer. I offer support in your quest to attack the Western powers. It is only a matter of time before we can declare victory, but we must consider certain consequences.

And what would those be? Hitler began to fidget somewhat.

The Russians seem neutral now, but I believe they could become a great enemy in the future after all else is won.

I understand that premise. Perhaps we will wage war in the future. You must let me worry about Stalin. I must be truthful; I think for now we remain allies.

Goebbels glanced over at Glossen and Wormser and replied, Of course, mein Führer. We should perhaps craft a story we can tell the German people.

What do you have in mind?

It might be in our best interest to create a mandate. This would simply be that the threat of further war is placed on the shoulders of the West; that they would have to respect both Germany and Russia in the event of a larger conflict.

What does this have to do with our goals? Hitler yelled out.

You simply can feel free to attack the West without fear we will be attacked on our eastern borders because of our supposed respect for the Soviets.

But will it work? Hitler asked.

I have every reason to believe it will, Goebbels said. I am in charge of propaganda and know what I am doing.

I suppose so, Hitler said. He seemed a bit agitated.

We must do what it takes to win the war, Glossen said.

Goebbels continued. Yes, mein Führer, I believe we must be prepared to ensure victory to the German people.

Hitler sat and stared at him.

Glossen listened intently as he sat no more than ten feet away from Hitler. He knew he had to be in lock step with Goebbels, but his heart and mind were predisposed. His thinking was clear. Perhaps I should just tell the Führer about Brother Matthias. I have a well-thought-out plan; at least one that is believable and for the betterment of the Reich. But will Hitler listen? What will Goebbels say?

He knew the truth was he needed more time, so he kept perhaps the greatest revelation of the twentieth century to himself.

Chapter Three

Radda in Chianti, Italy – 1972

VILLA PONTEVECHIO WAS NESTLED IN a towering expanse of poplar and pine trees. The off-white stucco house neatly sat on a hill overlooking the small town of Radda in Chianti, approximately forty-five kilometers south of Florence, Italy.

Brian Allen Bennett, an investigative reporter for Time magazine, slowly drove white-knuckled up a narrow gravel road in an old, beat-up car he borrowed from a friend in Milan.

The uniqueness of colonial Tuscany was flourishing once again. The coffee houses and taverns in Florence and the surrounding areas that had once been frequented by Fascist propagandists and anti-government liberals during World War II were now filled with young poet laureates, avant-garde artists, and free spirits that believed in peace, free love, and anything other than war. The peaceful province had now become a haven for American professionals wanting to get away from the monotony of the workweek.

Vacations didn’t come easy for Brian. This was the first one he had taken in five years. It seemed getting far away from New York and the hustle and bustle of twelve-hour workdays had long eluded him. His only regret was his fiancée, Laura Prescott, couldn’t come along. She was too busy being an associate editor for a publishing house. But he decided to make the best of it without her.

The narrow climb up the worn-out concrete steps to the front door was steep. Brian stopped short of going in and walked around the villa instead. The grounds were immense: several large flower gardens and a marble fountain were in the back. The view from the side by the swimming pool was magnificent: rooftops, steeples, and beautiful vineyards as far as the eye could see.

He really wasn’t sure how he ended up staying at the villa. A friend actually rented it for him. The owner apparently lived somewhere else and supposedly a real estate firm based out of Siena managed the property. None of it really mattered, though. He was poised to enjoy the tranquility of his two-week retreat.

Once inside, he took his luggage to the master bedroom and nonchalantly threw both bags on the bed. Looking around, he realized how sparsely it was decorated; only a bed and one chest of drawers. He saw heavy dark oak shutters; no screens, no windows. He was glad he brought repellent. He knew early June really wasn’t that bad for flies and mosquitoes, but he also knew it only took one to drive a person crazy.

He made the normal inspection of the rooms: a large living area, a small kitchen, a smaller den, and a bathroom that had a toilet you flushed by pulling a rope hanging over it. Then he noticed what he thought was a room at the far end of the villa. Slowly opening the door, he saw it was cluttered, with clothes thrown on the bed, as if someone was living there. Brian thought perhaps they belonged to someone who was managing the estate. He shut the door and began to unpack.

Late in the day Brian watched the sun go in and out of the clouds as he lay in a hammock near the pool, methodically sketching out his schedule for day trips to San Gimignano, Pisa, Lucca, Montevarchi, Monte San Savino, Florence, and Siena. Brian remembered his love of Italy began when he was in college. A good friend of the family invited him to spend a summer in Verona to help him run his export business. The establishment was located on a side street just around the corner from the Roman Amphitheater, or Arena, as it was called. He must have seen at least five operas while he was there, never being overly impressed, but never letting on.

Brian learned enough Italian to be dangerous. He met a girl that summer. She was a beautiful blond with shoulder-length hair, hazel eyes, and coconut-colored skin. Shamelessly, he spent the entire time from June to August trying to make love to her. Finally, on a hot night on the banks of the Adige River, he made his conquest. The next week, he went home and never saw her again.

Slowly turning around, he sensed something. It was like the villa had eyes. Feeling strange, Brian sank down in the hammock a bit, suspecting he was being watched. It was the feeling he sometimes had when being stared at in a room full of people.

A large white cloud began to block the sun and shadows enveloped the lawn and gardens. He could hear the sounds of cars below, but they were faint. This was the quiet he was after. It would give him plenty of time to read the six or so novels he brought along.

Suddenly, he thought he heard the back door of the villa shut. Almost out of nowhere, emerging from the shadows was a figure. Adjusting his eyes, Brian could see it was an old man wearing dungarees and a faded orange plaid shirt. The man’s hair was rather short and very gray. He had a full beard appearing black with a touch of gray. His skin was tough looking, like old leather, and very tan. He stopped and looked at Brian. His gaze seemed peculiar at first.

Getting out of the hammock, Brian went over to shake hands with the stranger. Still looking like he was just out of college but now 35, he was skinny with long black hair parted in the middle. He gave the old man his usual pretentious smile. Brian Bennett, nice to meet you.

The stranger hesitated. Finally, in broken English, he introduced himself as Horst the caretaker. I am responsible for the care of the property and villa. Every summer I come here and help the owner while he is away.

You’re German, Brian said.

Yes. From Munich, Horst replied. I very much love the Italian summers and feel comfortable in Tuscany. I do not spend much time in Munich anymore, but rather split my time between Germany and northern Italy.

Brian