Betrayal, Part 2
Betrayal, Part 2
The hours turned into days and still Dorian Red Gloria did not remember his alter-ego, Eroica. Klaus had to be satisfied with possession of the film which would condemn Gröhner, but every time that he spoke with Red Gloria, he hesitated to expose the truth of the Earl’s hidden occupation. Dorian only asked the Major once about the conditions under which he was shot and seemed content with the response that it was during a robbery.
The Major could not continue to stay with the recovering thief, but he found an ally in Bonham, who promised that he would take the Earl home to England and help him to recover. The small man also promised to keep the Major informed of any progress that the Earl made in remembering events surrounding the Gröhner fiasco or anything else.
The status quo remained in effect for some two months until the Chief summoned the Major into his office. The older man stared at the tall German for several minutes, trying to assess the man, standing so rigidly at attention.
“Major Eberbach, have you any new information about Eroica’s medical condition?”
“Nein, I have spoken with Bonham frequently in the last two months. It seems that memories are beginning to return to the Earl. He seems comfortable with his identity as Red Gloria, but he says nothing about Eroica and gives the impression that he remembers nothing as well.”
“I see; that is too bad. As you know, we have tried to infiltrate the Red Mai Group, but have failed, losing two agents and a contractor in the effort. It is vital that we obtain the documents and information that they are holding in their headquarters. We have determined it to be near Hamburg, and I want you to gain Eroica’s consent to help us gain that film.”
“Sir, Eroica is no longer cooperating with NATO. Through his man, I have been informed that Lord Gloria does not remember being the thief and has only recently been asking questions about some of his possessions and other personal matters. The staff is not sure if they should inform him; it could be dangerous . . . medically speaking so it would be better if we approached someone else to take on this mission.”
“Major, I did not assign anyone else because I want Eroica. We need the best for this mission. You will go to Castle Gloria and do what you must to gain his acquiescence in this task. Do you understand?”
“Yes sir,” The Major immediately wheeled on his military boots and left the office, muttering about the stupidity of some people. How could he tell the Earl that he was a thief, and that much of his material wealth had come from theft? Bonham had told him that the Earl had changed a great deal. He had taken one look at his surviving long blond hair and had decided to have it cut to a length which didn’t quite reach the shoulders. He had also changed his clothing to a less outlandish style with more sedate colours. In short, the man had completely taken on the persona of Dorian Red Gloria, Earl of Gloria and no longer remembered Eroica’s extravagant ways.
Within hours Major Eberbach approached Castle Gloria in North Downs. The trip in these modern times had taken very little time, but frankly Klaus had wished it had taken longer. Never one to fail to confront an issue, the German Major was thrown off by his changed circumstances with Dorian Red Gloria. Klaus had become used to the inane, foppish behaviour of Eroica. He felt secure in the knowledge that the Englishman would always be that way and he wasn’t yet used to the Earl acting so “normal” now - - in fact, Klaus regretted that the man was acting so sedate and conventional. Could it be that he missed the foppish, perverted queer?
Bonham opened the door, looking haggard and faintly disturbed. “Major, please come in. You made a rapid trip.”
The Major was in no mood for trivialities so he merely nodded. “I have come to see Lord Gloria, has his memory returned?”
“Uh, no sir, but we have informed him that he is Eroica.”
“Was???”
“It became too difficult when he discovered some of his equipment and some of his clothing that he used solely for his . . . uh, thefts. He asked us about it and Mr. James let something slip. We were forced to explain. We didn’t tell him everything, but he was very upset that the Red Gloria name could be endangered so we have told him that he was doing it to help NATO and that he was being very patriotic. That really didn’t seem to help. He has gone through all of his things and has piled them up for disposal.”
“When did this happen?”
“Yesterday. I tried to call you, but the Earl wouldn’t permit me to make any outside phone calls so I was unable to warn you. I know I should have told you when you called, but he heard the phone ring and insisted I hang up as soon as I identified who it was. Sorry, Major.”
“I see. I will go up now.”
“Uh, would you let me go up first, sir? He has a visitor.”
“Was? He is still doing those perverted things?”
“Well, yes sir, if you mean his sexual preferences, but this is an artist who is painting a new portrait of him, without . . . without the flamboyance of his previous portraits.”
“I need to see him now. I will announce myself.”
Klaus took the grand staircase three steps at a time, but near the top hesitated, what was he going to say to the man who had lost his identity while saving Klaus’ life? The German knew that he should be grateful that the “right” Dorian survived the shooting, but he could not deny that the special expertise of Eroica was extremely useful during times such as this. Sighing, he knocked once then burst into the Earl’s sitting room.
Klaus stopped in the doorway stunned, a small, moustached man stood at an easel, obviously painting, but it was the posed figure of Dorian, the Earl of Red Gloria which absolutely took his breath away. Klaus could only judge the blond as regal in his posture and his pose. He was breath-taking. His hair was exactly the right length; his blue eyes glowed with some smug knowledge, and his suit was perfectly matched to the appearance of a Peer of the Realm. For a moment, Klaus stood staring then found himself and stammered out, “Your lordship, I need to see you right away.”
Dorian looked at the Major with as much contempt as he could, but it was his words that truly manifested that contempt. “I have been informed that I was once the thief known as Eroica. I do not believe this, but I cannot deny that I have found . . . certain items . . . in my wardrobe and amongst my equipment that I do not remember. If they belong to that thief then I am glad you are here to carry them away. Please do so now. Good day, Major.”
**A messenger! Is that all I am to him?**
“Verdammt, I am not here to serve you, but I need to talk to you . . . privately.”
The Earl looked at Klaus for a minute then turned to the little artist and said, “Jules, please leave us alone for a FEW minutes, will you?”
The smock-clad man nodded and left immediately. Dorian stood up, walked over to the Major, stared directly into his green eyes and whispered, “Now, Major, if you are not here to pick up those useless things, what are you here for?”
The German barely held onto his anger. How dare the pervert treat him like a common messenger? All the years that the Major had treated him with distain and contempt were being thrown back into his face . . . at triple the intensity. Very well, two could play at this, but was Dorian really playing or did he truly not remember Eroica?
Since Dorian failed to motion the Major to a seat, Klaus continued to stand, feeling more in control this way. “Lord Gloria, I understand from Bonham that you were informed that you are the thief, Eroica?”
Two perfectly groomed eyebrows shot up slightly as Dorian sharply remarked, “I am not Eroica, but I will admit that there is evidence of my past proclivities.”
**So he’s still denying his other self - - I thought amnesia was only temporary.** “Very well, you were, at one time, Eroica. I would like you to be Eroica once again.”
“What are you talking about? Can’t you see I do not and will not remember that disgusting part of my life? I am willing to admit to what must be true, but I certainly am not going to take up those thieving ways ever again.”
“But NATO needs you, Lord Red Gloria.” Here Klaus stopped disgusted with himself for the whining sound that he had just made. He decided to try again with an argument that rarely failed. “Sir, you have always been a patriot and quite willing to help me . . . and NATO when certain individuals have threatened the peace of the world.” Klaus felt pleased that a moment’s hesitation seemed to appear in the blue eyes, but the German ruined the small ground he had gained when he continued with, “And, of course, you will be handsomely compensated just as you have been previously.”
The Earl of Red Gloria straightened to his extreme height, practically bristling in his fury, “I will not be bought, Major. It should be obvious to you that things have changed. I want you out of here now, and take those things with you.”
For a moment the dark-haired man was ready to storm out the door, but then he remembered how important the mission was and decided to give it one more try. Suddenly, it hit him that he would have to take that extra step to gain his goal. Klaus Heinz von dem Eberbach had always held himself to a rigid standard, but now he was prepared to go over the acceptable line to gain his objective.
Once he had made his decision, the Major did not hesitate; he threw himself into the fight, preparing to swap his integrity for the cause. “Very well, Lord Red Gloria, I will take on the task myself. The Red Mai group are quite formidable, and we have already lost two agents and one contractor trying to gain the film, but I had hoped that you would be willing to help since you are personally involved.”
Dorian’s blue eyes widened. “How . . . how am I involved? I don’t even know this Red Mai group? Explain yourself.”
Those were the very words that the Major was waiting for. Closing his eyes against what he was about to do, he cleared his throat and began, “NATO has found out that along with the film which are plans for several terrorist campaigns against the West there are some incriminating pictures that could be used against some individuals of consequence.”
Dorian started to protest that he did not see how this involved him when Klaus continued, almost gasping for air as he said, “Some of the pictures are quite revealing, including pictures of you and myself in various states of intimacy when we were lovers.”
Silence.
How long the silence lasted neither was later able to determine, but clearly Lord Red Gloria was shaken even though he knew that he was a homosexual. Klaus, on the other hand, had just taken on a perverted identity that had been an anathema to him ever since he had met the stunning blond and GAY man.
Finally, without saying a word, Dorian picked up the phone and rang Bonham. When the small man answered, Dorian requested that he come to his bedroom. Within minutes the loyal retainer was standing in front of his master, ill-prepared for the question he now faced.
“Bonham, were the Major and I ever lovers?”
“Uhh, I am not aware of a relationship like that, sir, but you have been alone together many times and you are discreet so I cannot answer that question with complete knowledge, sir. Bonham’s need to repeat, ‘sir’ twice in the same phrase obviously showed his nervousness in answering such a question.
“Thank you, Bonham. You may leave.”
Dorian turned his blue eyes onto the German Major. “I do not believe you, Major. You are no longer welcome in this house. Please leave.”
Klaus nodded and headed towards the door. Before he exited, however, he turned and said, “I regret that you have lost yourself. You have been a trusted agent for many years. I had hoped that you could trust me once again. I do not blame you for your decision.” With those words Iron Klaus left the premises, leaving Dorian staring at the door until Jules re-entered the room. Suddenly, Dorian felt extremely exhausted and sent the man away.
Hours later the Earl continued to sit in his bedroom sitting room, staring at the partially completed portrait. His thoughts kept returning to Klaus’ words, but the portrait drew him to other thoughts especially a flickering image that passed through his mind of a man dressed in purple clothes in a fashion that hadn’t been seen for hundreds of years. A raging headache beat against his temples. Feeling slightly nauseous, Dorian prepared to turn down the lights and rest when Mr. James ran into the room with two sacks of various items.
“Not now James, I’m . . . . Seeing the hurt on James’ face, Dorian made an effort to deal with the little man. “James, what are those things?”
“I’m inventorying my collection, m’lord.”
“What do you have there?”
“Five coins of Five DM apiece and one paper deutchmark, and some pieces of metal that I just know are gold.” The little man giggled excitedly as Dorian looked briefly at the eclectic things then picked up the paper deutchmark.
Paper isn’t worth much; why do you have this?
“It’s my favourite.”
Dorian looked confused, but went ahead and asked, “Why is that, Jamesie?”
“Because the Major gave it to me.”
“The Major . . . you mean Major Eberbach?”
The small accountant nodded yes, continuing to stare at his collection. Intrigued, Dorian looked at the paper money and inquired, “Why did the Major give it to you?”
“You had just got hurt and the Major found your snuff box; he didn’t know how to open it so I did it for him so he gave me the money to thank me.”
“So he wasn’t trying to bribe you?”
“No, he just wanted what was inside of it.”
“Why did he place any value on the box?”
“I don’t know, but you always carry it when you do your . . . when you work for NATO so I guess he thought it had something to do with that.”
Dorian continued to stare unseeing into space. **So he found something that I had probably stolen for him.**
“When did this happen, James?”
James’ face frowned as if he didn’t understand then he quickly replied “Soon after Bonham and I got to the hospital; I was upset so they sent me to the waiting room.”
Now Dorian was completely confused. **If the Major already had the information, he was looking for then why did he continue to stay with me for several more days? Guilt? No, the Major did not strike me as ever feeling guilt.**
Staring at the little man who was a devoted companion and stingy bug, Dorian grabbed some coins off his desk and handed them to James to add to his collection. Thoroughly delighted, James rushed off to add the new booty to his collection. Dorian didn’t have the heart to point out to the little man that a deutchmark wasn’t really worth much since the new currency was the Euro, but money was money to Jamesie.
The light in the sitting room grew dim as Dorian continued to sit in the room staring at the now difficult-to-see portrait, his thoughts wandering over the words that the Major had spoken. Suddenly, he reached over with one slender, pale white hand and dialled a number that he somehow knew without looking it up.
“Major Eberbach, this is the Earl of Red Gloria; I will do it. Please send one of your agents to explain what I must do.”
DKDKDKDKDKDK
Strangely enough the mission went perfectly. Not one of the terrorists realized that Eroica had broken into their headquarters. The NATO crew had waited until there were only a few people about and then Dorian had gone in and returned cleanly. The Major was waiting for him in a sleek Mercedes. The slender, blond-haired thief said nothing merely handing over the camera and film. Dorian had not dared lift any documents because NATO was planning to lay a trap for the various cells of the organization as they put their simultaneous operations into effect.
The Major merely grunted his thanks and waited for the explosion that would soon take place . . . but nothing happened. Klaus continued to drive for several miles, forcing himself to not look at the thief whose demeanour was subdued; his behaviour reflected a chill that would have done an iceberg proud. Finally, Dorian spoke up, “Please let me out here.”
Since it was in the middle of nowhere, the Major was surprised to hear the words. Not slowing down he verbalized his confusion in his native language, “Was ist los?
The look on the Earl’s face was one of total disgust and contempt so the Major knew it was time to face the condemnation that he so richly deserved. “Stop now, Major.”
The German pulled over to the side of the road and waited. Dorian deserved to be angry and have his say. It was not long in coming. “I phoned Bonham earlier to tell him to pick me up here. There were no pictures in the headquarters, Major, and you knew it. You lied to me to get me to do what you wanted. I don’t remember you, but I thought you were a man of integrity. Now I know better.” Seeing the headlamps blinking the pre-set code, Dorian got out of the vehicle. Leaning over to look in the window, Dorian said clearly and firmly, “Don’t ever ask me to do another job for NATO, and I never want to see you again, Major.”
Eberbach sat watching the slender man, dressed in black walk away into the night towards the waiting car. He knew that there was no apology that he could make. He had done what was necessary but for the first time in his life, he felt empty and dirty that he had followed the path of duty without thinking of the consequences to another person as well as to himself.
End of part 2
Part 3