Meyer-Hofmann AG

33

Günther Müller had decided to invite Johann Von Klitzing for an interview at Ett Street. Von Klitzing seemed as good a place to start as any in his investigation of Meyer-Hofmann. It was his daughter who had impersonated Britt Petersen, and it was unlikely that doing such a thing had been her idea. Günther sat in one of the interrogation rooms at the station, waiting for Von Klitzing to arrive. Slowly turning the pages of the dossier Monika had prepared, he was surprised how little was known about the man’s role in the company. Apart from being a board member, his only other title was that of Director of Internal Security. Günther was intrigued to find out just what exactly his job entailed.

Von Klitzing was irritated by the invitation rather than worried. He had not expected to be able to work in total confidentiality, now that they were becoming active. He had, however, hoped it would take a little longer before the police took an interest. Killing Britt Petersen had been necessary. Had the police got hold of her, things would have got out of control. His plans would simply have to be accelerated now that the company’s indiscretions were coming to light.

I will just have to delay this policeman’s investigation as far as I can, he decided.

Dr Ernst Weiden was the company’s legal Rottweiler. A lawyer of some note within the German legal system, he was as close to a celebrity lawyer as it got in Germany. On a permanent retainer to Meyer-Hofmann, his main job was blocking investigations into their holding’s operations. But he was far more in his element in a court room, defending his VIP client against some or other iniquitous allegations.

Günther recognised the lawyer immediately as the two men were led into the room by Monika.

“Please, take a seat, Gentlemen.” Günther stood, gesturing towards the steel chairs opposite him. Neither man was able to make himself comfortable on the thin blue upholstered cushions. They were left shuffling around like two naughty schoolboys in front of the headmaster.

“We will not be staying long, Detective Müller,” the lawyer said.

Günther ignored the lawyer.

“Herr Von Klitzing, my name is Günther Müller. I would just like to thank you for coming, but I must first read you your rights. You do not have to say anything. However, it may harm your defence if you do not mention when questioned something which you later rely on in court. Anything you do say may be given in evidence.”

“What are the manner of the charges against my client?”

“Charges? At the moment, there are no charges against your client. However, we are investigating the disappearance of Britt Petersen, the wife of one of Herr Von Klitzing’s fellow board members.”

“I was not aware that she was missing,” Von Klitzing commented.

“Yes, and please explain on what grounds you are questioning Herr Von Klitzing and not Herr Petersen?”

“I believe that Herr Von Klitzing’s daughter impersonated Britt Petersen in an interview she gave us recently, and I would like to know why.”

“That is a very serious allegation, Detective! Whatever led you to believe such nonsense? I know Eva Von Klitzing personally, and there is no reason for her to do such a thing. She doesn’t look anything like Britt Petersen.”

“We were hoping Herr Von Klitzing could explain.”

“Is Eva Von Klitzing under arrest?” the lawyer pressed.

“My colleagues are picking her up now.”

That was not good news for Von Klitzing, although he had half-expected it would happen after their chance meeting at the club.

Eva will deny everything. It’s not a problem. Günther watched Von Klitzing’s face. It was ice. Not a glimmer of a reaction, not even when he heard they would be arresting his daughter.

“Herr Von Klitzing, would you answer the question, please. Were you aware of your daughter’s actions?”

“No.” The answer was final. Von Klitzing made it clear he would not be answering questions about Britt Petersen.

“Herr Von Klitzing knows nothing about this and will not be answering any further questions about his daughter until we are made aware of the charges against her.”

“Do you know the whereabouts of Britt Petersen?” Günther asked the question of Von Klitzing without expecting an answer, and none came.

“Maybe you could tell me what your job is at Meyer-Hofmann, Herr Von Klitzing?”

“I am the director of security.”

“And that means…?”

“Anything from internal issues involving staff and confidential information, to helping our holding companies with any security issues.”

“I work very closely with Herr Von Klitzing on these matters,” the lawyer interjected.

“I am sure you do, Herr Weiden! I would like to know why Herr Von Klitzing needed to contact Deputy Chief Hanson of the New York Police Department last year?”

“Deputy Chief Hanson? We don’t have any contact to the American Police.”

“I was asking Herr Von Klitzing.”Günther had again watched Von Klitzing’s face very carefully. He was hoping the question would get a reaction, and he wasn’t disappointed. He had visibly twitched at the question. Günther allowed himself an inner smile.

The ice man cracks.

“I have no recollection of such a contact.” Von Klitzing had regained his composure.

“Let me help you. You telephoned Deputy Chief Hanson on the fifth of October at 6:01 pm, then again on the third of November at 6:14 pm. He returned the call at 7:02 pm on the same day. Finally, you called him on the fifth of November at 8:13 pm. Deputy Chief Hanson was found dead in his home office the very next day.”

Weiden was now on his feet.

“We will be answering no further questions, Detective. Unless you are going to arrest my client, this interview is over.” Günther was not disturbed by the reaction. He had the answer he needed. He saw it in Von Klitzing’s eyes. He had spoken to Hanson. Now all he had to do was prove it.

“Unless your client has something to hide, he should be able to answer the question.”

“I have never heard of Deputy Chief Hanson.”

“The calls were made from your extension, in Gallery Street.”

“I don’t know what you are talking about. I don’t have an extension at the club. My offices are at our Company Headquarters.”

“Extension forty-two. Are you saying that is not your extension number?”

“That is not my extension number. It is a very big building, and there are very many extensions.” Von Klitzing’s answer was so coolly delivered, Günther almost believed him.

“Then can you explain why you answered that extension number only yesterday?”

“Enough! Herr Von Klitzing, do not answer that. We are leaving now!”

Von Klitzing rose from the table, his face visibly flushed. Following Weiden out of the office, his mind had already started to digest the implications.

Günther sat back in his chair and smiled at Monika.

“Well done, Moni!”

Leaning back so that the chair’s front legs left the floor, he could see around Monika. He directed his next comment in the direction of the mirrored glass window on the interrogation room wall.

“I want to know his every move from now on.”

Two officers left the room next door, leaving Commander Wilhelm Götz leaning on the intercom button.

“Well done, Günther.”