ROOM OF FIRE 46

Chapter 46

The Amber Room, 1715

If you’re just joining this story, you may want to start from the beginning.

This story follows the first in Jenn’s Rediscovered series, Last Assault on Oak Island.

Onward with the search for the Amber Room. . .

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Carlos called the Göttingen hotel for his messages. To his surprise, Bill Karen's voice came over the line.

"Carlos Sheldon?" There was a heavy urgency in his tone. "Any response will do, Carlos."

The curator cleared his throat and spoke precisely. "Sheldon. Room One-Seventeen. I would like my messages."

"There was no acquisition in Colmar," Dr. Karen said. "She left Gustalav a note saying you were being held by a man named Geil in the Hotel Drehoff in Kassel."

"Yes. I have it." Carlos wrote Elden's name and a non-descript scribble on the pad of paper in front of him as Geil looked on.

"The clerk here said two men left the room yesterday afternoon. Are you still in Kassel?"

"No." Carlos' pen paused on the paper. "Please repeat that slower."

"Gustalav found the car she drove off the road with a tire shot-out and no spare. It was rented under the name Georg Reubens."

The tightness was coming back to Carlos' chest. "I have it. Go on."

Dr. Karen spoke quickly. "She never showed at the Colmar bank. Paul is still there. This Tolchov-Reubens character, Agnes says we've dealt with him before, purchased a few items about three and eight years ago, legitimately, under the names Georg Reubens and Reuben Diprovitch. She's never heard of him being linked to any abductions or problems. I have to ask you, Carlos, will he let her go if she signs the draft over to him?"

"Yes. I think I have it. Next, please." Carlos remembered to keep writing.

"They'll probably go the Göttingen or Berlin branch. He may not trust Colmar with Gustalav so close. I can only be in one place, Carlos." Dr. Karen's voice was harder now. "Göttingen or Berlin?"

"Yes, I have it. Please give me the first message again."

"Göttingen?"

"Thank you."

"I'll be there during business hours and here in the evening. Leave any message you can. We need to find you."

"No, we're happy with the rooms. I do not wish to upgrade at this time."

"Any hint will help."

"No, we like the views," Carlos said deliberately.

"Okay." Dr. Karen's voice had a deadly calm to it. "Carlos, she has to ransom herself and she must go to the Göttingen branch or we may lose her. She needs to know this the next time you speak to her. I'm not sure Paul can handle this by himself at the Colmar branch. And we need to know where you are."

Carlos made himself breathe slower as Geil shifted restlessly on the chair across the table from him. "Thank you. Please hold both rooms for an additional two days."

He hung up, looking to the brute across the table.