Nowhere to hide (Schellenburg)

[Franz Albrecht]

Country: Belgium
Current Time: 8:00 PM
Weather Conditions: A clear evening

Two black 1940 Mercedes 230’s flew through the dimly lit city streets which were shadowed by tall buildings on either side. The roar of their engines echoed through the air, with each turn the tires on the first car would squeal. The cars were filled with men on a mission, that mission was to hunt enemies of the Reich. They would have to act quickly before the resistance cell was alerted. The whole group of them could just fade away if tipped off, the entire investigation would have been useless. Each raid could potentially turn in to a man hunt. A man hunt required many more resources in order to bring it to a close. This particular night Franz’s work took him to a upper middle class neighbourhood where rarely anything occurred. The reports indicated that a group of people were helping Jews escape the country on false papers. This group was also in touch with local resistance cells that proved to be a thorn in the side of the Germans. As the cars roared onwards Franz glanced at his watch, they would arrive any second now. The orders were to arrest anyone on the scene, if they resist open fire.

The night was warm and clear. The moon was full and bright, it cast its dominating light over the darkened Belgian city of Bruges. On a quiet street in the suburbs cigarette smoke rolled from a small black cars window. French music played lowly from the vehicle lurking in the shadows. Inside was a dark figure in a fedora and long black coat, quietly he took long hauls of the cigarette. The headlights from Franz’s SD/SS raiding party were seen racing up the street. Slowly and casually the man turned the key in the ignition and the car came to life, he continued to wait as it idled. As Franz’s unit pulled up to the sidewalk the man put the vehicle in gear and slowly drove past them, turning on his headlights afterwards.

The raiding party came to a halt outside the residence under investigation. Franz watched a car pull away and drive past, it was an a Gestapo agent in plain clothes. The brief sound of music was heard along with the smell of cigarette smoke. Even though Franz could not see the man’s face he sent him a nod while getting out of his own car. The Germans slammed the doors of their vehicles, A group of SD men crowded at the front step as one rang the buzzer. Franz yelled and banged on the door, “GESTAPO, open the fucking door!”. Another SS man rang the buzzer several times, Franz stepped back and looked from left to right. It was an hour before curfew, two women on the opposite side of the street walked off quickly upon seeing the Germans. Franz attempted to peer inside the front windows but nothing was visible. One of the officers said, “We’ll take the door down, get me a rifle from the car”. Franz left the door step and stood on the sidewalk watching the windows for movement. A few seconds later the SS men fetched the K98 rifle from one of the Mercedes Benz. The officer in the doorway took it and began to smash the door near the lock with the rifle butt.

The sound of weapons lock and loading sounded loudly. A moment later the door gave and the Germans rushed in shouting at the top of their lungs. It sounded as if things were being tossed about or a struggle was taking place inside the residence. Screams were heard coming from inside, Franz sighed and lit a cigarette. His men would take care of the situation.

[Aaron Hroda Schellenburg]

Aaron somehow was able to escape the cramped and dusty bunker, despite his mother's objections, and get some fresh air. He just came back from taking in the sights of Burges and enjoying the city life of the Belgian city. Aaron was well aware of the threat of encountering SS or Gustapo, but strangely enough he had not encountered any. Maybe this was a blessing or being just plain lucky. He looked up at the sky and noticed that the moon was out, and shining brightly; this unnerved Aaron slightly as the dread of being out past curfew washed over him. Aaron hastily pulled out a antique pocketwatch, a family heirloom, and looked at the time. A sigh of relief escaped Aaron's mouth as he was just an hour before the activity became heavy.

He continued his pace down the concrete as he made his way to the home that was sheltering him and his mother. The feeling that something was off surfaced once again when he was only a block from the house. Aaron foolishly shrugged it off as just worrying that he would be caught. He continued his journey, but as soon as he turned the corner his eyes caught sight of something very bizarre and unsettling; two black cars were parked in front of the house where he was hiding out. This made Aaron stop in his tracks. Thoughts of running away or going another direction, but that would just keep out well past curfew and also the factor of shelter popped up. He was stuck, the only direction he could go was straight to the house. Aaron let out a nervous sigh, placed his hands in his pockets, and moved down the sidewalk to the raided house. His feet stopped as soon as he was in front of his hideout residence, something was keeping him from advancing into the house. Aaron kept his hands in his pockets as he heard loud noises, things breaking, and screams; this absolutely terrified him on the inside. His and his mother's nightmares of being caught became an reality, the scary thought was that it was only a matter of time. Aaron stood in his position and stared at the broken front door for awhile.

He noticed from the corner of his eye that someone was nearby, conveniently smoking a cigarette. Because of the poor lighting it was hard to tell who he exactly was but Aaron's guess was that he was probably apart of this raid, but it seemed strange to Aaron that his man was just standing there.

"D-Do you know what is going on right now?"

Aaron spoke, but still kept his distance from the man, he did not feel comfortable walking up to a complete stranger in Nazi territory. Aaron thought that maybe asking questions should get the answers on why his hideout was randomly raided.

[Franz Albrecht]

Franz noticed the figure of a young man approaching the house. He took a step back and observed for a moment. The man glanced at the open door, his gaze then shifted toward Franz. Clearing his throat Albrecht stepped forward out of the shadows. The gentleman who approached on the sidewalk asked a question, "D-Do you know what is going on right now?", Franz appeared calm but suspicious, he replied not taking his eyes away from Aarons, “What’s it to you? Papers, right now”. Albrecht’s right hand rested on the Luger holster located on his right hip, the cigarette in his lips. He turned to face Aaron keeping a watchful eye on his movements.

One of the SS soldiers exited the house holding a sub machine gun. He wore a long dark green trench coat. Behind him came another soldier gripping a civilian by the back of his neck, dressed in a similar SS uniform. A few moments later there was another commotion which resulted in three more people being dragged from the house by SS men. Franz turned briefly, he shot a irritated look toward one of the men handling the situation. That SS NCO sent him a nod then shouted at the others, “HEY, quiet down. You are waking the entire neighbourhood! Shut up!”. A woman screamed as she was drug outside, suddenly a SS officer punched her in the face. Franz shouted over his shoulder, "Shut her up!", the soldier sent a nod to Albrecht. He lifted the woman to a standing position, she held her face and sobbed. Franz gestured to the houses on both sides of the street as if to say, "Look at everyone watching, enough!". Some people on the block peered through their windows as the arrest was taking place. A second woman was brought though the front door, she came quietly and peacefully.

Albrecht let out a sigh then refocused on Schellenburg. He scanned the man’s face for any sign of emotion. He was roughly the same age as himself, he appeared fearless but curious. Untersturmführer Albrecht then asked, "Where are you going tonight?"

[Aaron Hroda Schellenburg]

Aaron occasionally glanced back the the door and was intently listening to the ruckus that was taking place inside. He was so focused what was taking place insode that his mind almost forgot that on of the SD/Gustapo men asked, which almost sounded like an order, for Aaron's documentation.

"O-Oh right... the papers."

Aaron's hands, that were still in his pockets, searched for the paper that listed the personal imformation about him. After minutes of frantic searching and items dropping on the sidewalk, Aaron was able to locate his papers and give them to the officer. Aaron was still nervous, but grateful that his mother always nagged him to keep his documentation om hand. Aaron's sights returned to the house as SS officers exited, but what or whom they brought out almost caused his heart to still its beating. The first one to be carried out was his mother's friend's husband; he did not put up a fight and seemed calm about the situation. The next one to leave was his mother's friend, she was putting up a fight but her efforts were stilled with one good punch to the face. This made Aaron jump a bit as he did not expect the man who carried the woman out to use brute force. And the last one to exit was his mother. If Aaron was feeling even more nervous, almost fearful. He began to feel queesy but Aaron swallowed down the nausea.

"I was coming back here. You see I was visiting this family but... I had no idea that they were hiding people out; they never told me."

Aaron slantly answered the officer's question, he just hoped that the man did not catch the wiser and figure out that Aaron was a German-Jew or was apart of the smuggling. Aaron kept looking at his mother, who was very calm and quiet. This made Aaron calm down a bit, but the feeling of loosing his mother or being caught did not leave.

[Franz Albrecht]

Franz watched Aaron fumble around in his pockets, maybe a coin and something else dropped to the sidewalk. The Untersturmfuhrer extended a black gloved hand, his eyes never left Aaron. A few moments passed, then finally the man had found his papers. He offered them over to Franz who snatched the booklet firmly. The SD officer inspected the Identification thoroughly, he shifted it around in his hands and held it on two different angles. With a quick movement he closed the booklet and returned it to Aaron. With a sniff he said, “All is in order”. Often people went to panic mode when asked for their papers. Those who didn’t carry their ID were arrested and questioned at Gestapo headquarters.

While Aaron responded to the question of where he was going, the SD officer took a few puffs on his cigarette listening closely. When the man finished explaining the situation Franz continued to stare at him in silence. Suddenly the sound of an engine could be heard closing on their location, Albrecht turned slightly and yelled to his men, “Get the men on the first truck, woman on the next!”. The SS men with the assistance of some police lined the prisoners up on the sidewalk, their hands held high. An Opel Blitz transport truck rolled around the street corner, bumping and bouncing as the driver switched gears. After shouting the order Albrecht turned his attention back to Aaron, “Alright, I have a few questions for you. Wait right here”. Franz felt the man could be telling the truth, or was telling some of the truth. People were afraid of the Gestapo and Police, that could account for a fearful appearance. He needed to question this man at headquarters.

The SD officer turned his back and started walking toward the house that had been raided. He stopped beside two officers and spoke, “Load them up. Send the women with that group leaving for the work camp. You know where to take the men. Kappler, you are in charge as I have some business to attend to”. A tall SD officer came to attention and threw up the Nazi salute, “Untersturmführer!”.

As the Opel pulled up the prisoners were herded onboard. Two armed guards were last to climb inside then the tail gate was slammed. Franz signalled for Aaron by waving him over, “YOU, come here”, Albrecht opened the back door on one of the black Mercedes. The driver hopped into his position turning the key, the engine gave a slight stutter then roared to life. The bright headlights cast a white beam toward Schellenburg.

[Aaron Hroda Schellenburg]

Aaron slightly flinched when his booklet, that held his documentation, was snatched from his grasp. Aaron decided not to act upon the man's rudeness, he had his nerves that seemed to get the best of him at the moment. He watched as the man inspected it, hoping that he did not find anything that was questionable. A feeling of relief washed over Aaron when the man responded with "All is in order." Aaron looked over at the the people that were caught. He scanned the people until he saw his mother. She was calm and quiet, but she was sorrowful. His mother's friend was apparently wallowing in pity and sorrow, the husband... he was strangely stone-faced.

Aaron almost missed the man telling him that he had some questions for him, luckily he caught the last few words and was able to snap out of his thoughts and look the SD officer in the eye and nod. Aaron waited until the man's back was turned until his glanced back at the people on the sidewalk, this time his mother made eye contact with him. They kept this silence for awhile until they were rounded up on separate trucks. Aaron turned his attention back to the house, watching the man who asked for his identification discussing issues or something with another. After parting ways the SD officer called Aaron over to one of the Mercedes. Aaron noticed that one of the doors were opened, and the driver ignited the engine. Aaron was feeling at bit reluctant to follow this man's orders, but he knew the authority these people carried. He hesitated for a moment before walking over to the car were the SD officer called him to.

When Aaron got close enough his heart sped up its movements, he swallowed dryly, not knowing what was in store for him. Aaron almost wearily looked at the man before him.

[Franz Albrecht]

Franz gestured toward the interior of the car, “Please, after you”. Once Aaron got inside Franz removed his cap then got in behind him. Another officer shut the door then gave the Nazi salute. Lazily Franz flicked his right wrist returning it. A moment later he leaned forward and spoke to the driver, “Headquarters Günther, thank you”. As the Mercedes pulled off a second Opel Blitz pulled up, the remainder of the prisoners were herded into the back. One prisoner decided to run at the last second, his feet pounded on the street as he got farther away. The SD officer Franz left in charge drew his pistol then raised his right arm slowly taking aim. When he was lined up Günther squeezed the trigger, a single shot rang out. The escaping man ran down the road in a straight line, suddenly he went limp and did a face plant. The officer lowered his pistol turning to his comrades who nodded with approval, some even praised him that he could make such a fine shot.

Franz let out a deep sigh, indicating he was slightly annoyed by the event. The driver drove on through the dimly lit streets, he was smooth behind the wheel. Albrecht set his cap between him and Aaron, Slowly he started pulling the leather gloves off his fingers. While he did so he spoke, “So you were unaware of the activity’s going on back there Hm?” Upon getting the gloves off he set them on the top of his cap. “You must understand my position here. It could be a case of wrong place, wrong time? Is that the case here?” Albrecht focused on Aaron once again. He then continued, “We were watching them as we watch everyone. I have never seen you before tonight. Are you a native of Belgium?”.

The car approached a bridge in the town that was heavily guarded by SS soldiers with cold stares. One of them walked around the car with a German Sheppard that barked and growled like it was possessed. The driver showed the guards a pass, one peeked in the back window nodding to Franz. “Heil Hitler”, he said signalling that the barricade as to be lifted. The driver put the car in gear and pulled on to the bridge. On the opposite side was a similar checkpoint also heavily guarded, the Mercedes passed through un-opposed.

[Aaron Hroda Schellenburg]

Aaron entered the car and slid over to the window seat. The atmosphere in the car was very uneasy to Aaron almost tense. Aaron heard some commotion from outside, but he did not bother to turn around to bury his eyes in it. He slightly jumped once he heard that one shot. Whoever it was they must have caused trouble for the officers, but Aaron prayed that it was not his mother's friend, since she put up a struggle.

"Yes sir it was the case of wrong place, wrong time. The residence that I was visiting failed to tell me that they were harboring Jews... I happened to leave to enjoy the city more and when I came back you guys were there. In all honesty it surprised me."

Aaron gave the man eye contact, but he felt nerves again as he knew that he was lying to the SD officer. He felt that he had to.

"No not really. I am originally from Germany, but I traveled here to see the family and to catch up."

Aaron looked out of his window to see stern SS soldiers guarding a bridge in the city. He tensed up slightly as a German Shepherd began barking and growling. He sat back in the seat and continued looking out of the window as the car rode across the bridge with out incident.

[Franz Albrecht]

Franz nodded slowly as Aaron spoke. His papers did indicate he was from Germany, it also had the correct stamp that would have been issued to enter the country. Albrecht saw more and more of the fake passports and identification cards. It was getting harder to tell which ones were real and which ones were false. Some of the forgers in Europe were very good at what they did, so good in fact some concentration camps had special areas for them once captured. There they would create various documents for the Germans to use. Franz glanced at his wrist watch, he then watched the road ahead of them through the windshield. As they cruised through the city Gestapo headquarters came into view, 453 Avenue Louise.

Two massive Nazi banners were draped from the windows above the entrance, they swayed in the breeze. The building was tall and cast an eerie shadow over the street. Two uniformed guards were posted on each side of the doorway. Slowly the driver pulled up to the curb and put the Mercedes in park. Albrecht shifted his glare over to Aaron once again, this time with a polite smile on his face. “Thank you for your time”. The driver exited the vehicle and immediately opened the rear door, Franz stepped out casually. He gestured for Aaron to follow, “You are free to go”.

Somewhere in the countryside an Opel Blitz with the male prisoners on board pulled off the main road. They traveled down an old logging road for a minute or so, and then the truck screeched to a halt. The SS guards ordered the prisoners out and to the front of the truck. There in the headlights the three men raised their hands high, the light caused them to squint in an attempt to see what was going on. Without saying a word Franz’s second in command marched up in front of them with a MP40 in his hands. One of the prisoners began to mutter a prayer, suddenly Günther opened fire on them. The barrel of the machine gun spit fire, the area around them flashed until the clip was empty. Günther passed the MP40 off to another SS man then got back in the truck. Slowly the Opel backed away from the site.

[Aaron Hroda Schellenburg]

Aaron continued looking out of the window, he was thinking about his mother. He mentally cursed to himself for being so selfish and allowing his own mother to be captured and transported. But then again he was selfish. He was glad that the bunker was not his home anymore and that he was able to get off scotch-free, but... what was his home now? It would be suspicious to return to the place that was raided and he knew that he basically lied to protect his life. Aaron was in deep thought as the car pulled in front of the Gestapo hq and the driver helped the SD officer exit the car. That was the only moment Aaron knew that he was able to exit the car, so he did so. Aaron stretched a bit, trying to relax his tensed muscles. Aaron's sight caught hold of the building that housed the Gestapo. It was very large and put off a uncomfortable feeling for Aaron. He was transfixed but the sheer size of the building and noticed how... out of place it seemed.

"W-What am I supposed to do now?"

Aaron knew that this question was kind of foolish but it was truth behind it. He left his belongings back at the residence and there was no way in hell that he would be able to go back and retrieve them, the security was too heavy. Aaron made eye contact to Franz for answers, since he got him this far.

[Franz Albrecht]

Franz looked up and down the street casually. He then refocused on Aaron, in response to his question Franz calmly said, “I suggest you find a hotel for tonight then return home to Germany tomorrow. It’s in your best interest if you wish to walk away from this”. Albrecht shut the door of the Mercedes then started to walk toward the main entrance of Gestapo headquarters. He briefly whispered something to the driver which caused him to respond in a military manner.

The SS driver approached Schellenburg with one hand in his pocket. He withdrew a few Reich marks, counting it quickly he offered the cash to Aaron. Franz saluted the guards at the entrance then disappeared inside the building, the heavy doors shut behind him. The driver said with a grin, “You are lucky you weren’t in there. If you were smart you would have joined the military by now, instead of wondering around like a Gypsy”. The SS man laughed at his comment, “There is a war on, join to fight for the Fatherland”. The driver suddenly appeared serious, he waved Aaron away. “Get out of here. Herr Albrecht was feeling generous, I would take advantage of that if I were you”.

Franz entered the main foyer of Gestapo headquarters. It was alive with personnel rushing around carrying out their dutys. Phones rang all over the building, type writers could be heard chattering away. After climbing to the second floor Albrecht entered his neat but small ordinary office overlooking the street. He took off his gun belt tossing it on the desk then strolled over to the window. Pushing the blackout blinds aside he glared below.

[Aaron Hroda Schellenburg]

Aaron swallowed dryly as the SD officer answered his question. Aaron looked back at the looming building, he is very glad that he was not currently inside. Heaven only knows what is in there. Aaron gain his attentiom back when the driver of the car went in his pocket and pulled out some money of some kind. Aaron eyed it for a bit before taking it and closely examining it. Aaron listened to the driver's words and shuddered a bit when he told him to join the Fatherland. At this time Aaron wished that he never lied in the first place, but lying spared his life. Thoughts on what to do from here ran through his brain. He lacked belongings and he basically had no family now. He gripped the money tighter as he thanked the driver.
He let out a sigh as he now knows the name of the man who brought him here. Aaron made sure to personally remember his name, for future reference. Aaron looked up at the building once more. He wondered why was he even brought here in the first place. He had so many questions to ask... but now was not really the time to ask them. With one last nod Aaron backed away slowly and walked down the dim city streets, stuffing the money in his pockets... actually considering for the first time to join something just because of his selfish tendencies.

[Franz Albrecht]

Franz watched Aaron wonder down the street. When he lost visual of him the SD Untersturmfuhrer let the blinds go. He grabbed the telephone receiver on his desk and mashed a number, a voice responded on the other end, “Gestapo headquarters Prinz albert strasse, Berlin. How may I direct your call?”. Franz held the phone close to his mouth, “Yes hello, Untersturmfuhrer Franz Albrecht. Party number 86,588. SD Identification number 2217. Put me through to records at once”. A woman’s voice on the other end replied, “Of course sir, one moment please” Franz was suddenly interrupted by a light knock on his office door, he glanced up to see a plain clothes give him a thumbs up. Albrecht waved as he waited. A few seconds later a man’s voice quickly said, “Records”. “I need some information sent to my location as soon as you can. I want everything you have on an Aaron Schellenburg”, Albrecht said with a firm tone.

Outside of the headquarters a two door black couple pulled away from the curb. It passed Aaron on the sidewalk and sped off out of sight, the smell of cigarette smoke lingered in the air. The sound of the tires squealing could be heard in the distance. Franz finished up on the phone and placed the receiver on the hook. He sat there for a moment reviewing the evenings events in his mind, “Good”, he said a loud. Suddenly a female secretary appeared in the doorway, Franz looked up at her, “What is it Maria?” she responded to him, “Untersturmfuhrer, Heinz wanted me to tell you he was leaving”. Franz nodded with a smile, “Thank you Maria, he stopped by on his way out”. She smiled and closed the door, “Good night sir”. Heinz was a plain clothes Gestapo agent. He was a shady character who seemed to enjoy his job a lot. Franz never seen him without a fedora and a black trench coat, Heinz kind of gave him the creeps.

Franz let out a yawn while stretching his arms to the side. Next he grabbed a near by pen, with the free hand he flipped a folder open on his desk. Now it was time for the paper work, his superiors were very picky and were not to be disappointed. Taking a moment to rub his eyes Franz then dove into it, in an hour or so he could go home.

[Aaron Hroda Schellenburg]

Aaron continued walking down the Belgian street, honestly it was interesting to him that he has been hiding out for almost two years and ironocally the day he decides to leave the bunker to explore the city better they were captured. Aaron walked down the quiet street still as he looked around his surroundings for any places to lodge. While searching a strange black car slowly rode up to him then sped off. The incident was very bizarre to Aaron as he walked a bit faster now, having the strange feeling come over him.

After what seemed like forever, Aaron found an inn that was still operating. He entered the establishment and ordered a room for the night. The clerk lazily sat up, tossing the pornographic magazine away taking Aaron's money and handing him the key. Aaron grabbed the key and read the tag on it Room: 9 Aaron looked up at the doors with rusting letters and finally came to his room. He shoved the key in the key hole and gave it a counter-clockwise twist before turning the knob to open it. Aaron stepped inside the stale smelling room and groped the wall for the nearest light switch. When his fingers felt the switch he turned it on, illuminating a decent looking room.

Aaron let out a tired sigh as he took the key out of the lock and closed the door, locking it with the deadbolt. Aaron made his way over to the full-sized bed and sat on it. Thoughts of his mother kept surfacing. He remembered the years, well before the war, when she was taking care of him on her own. He felt that he not only inherited his father's looks, but also his selfish attitude. Aaron felt that he had to somehow make it up to his mom... somehow.

[Franz Albrecht]

The buzz of Albrecht’s desk phone woke him up. He had fallen asleep writing a report about a separate incident. Clearing his throat he picked up the receiver, “Albrecht”. The voice on the other end replied in a low tone, “ Room 9 at the Hotel NICOLAS”. The line then went dead, with a sigh Franz hung up the phone. He pulled a piece of note paper from a pad and scribbled down the information Heinz had given him. Albrecht nodded approvingly to himself while neatly stacking a pile of folders on the corner of his desk. He glanced at a wall mounted clock, the time read 11:00 PM, time to go back to the hotel for a few hours sleep.

Franz stood up and put the pistol belt around his waist. He grabbed his hat from the desk and left the office, he closed the door behind him. Whistling a tune he downed two flights of stairs ending up in the main foyer. It was far less busy at this hour, two uniformed men stood at the front desk. The rest of the large room was deserted. The SS men heard Franz coming and turned offering him a salute, Franz responded with a lazy, tired wrist flick as he passed, “Have a good one gentlemen”. The two sent him a respectful nod then continued their own conversation. Franz exited the building into the night air, he took a deep breath and scanned the streets. Tonight he would walk to the Hotel, it was a lovely evening for a stroll.

Franz was staying at a 4 star hotel a few blocks away, “Hotel OUD HUIS DE PEELLAERT”. It was a lavish environment, it offered the best service and finest rooms in Bruges. The streets were deserted completely, it was slightly strange being the only one out. Anyone caught out after curfew was usually arrested, being shot was a worst case scenario . It was against the law to be out of one’s personal residence after hours. Members of the German armed forces and police however were exempt. Franz could see the Hotel ahead, the walk had been a nice way to end the evening. Untersturmfuhrer Albrecht entered the Hotel. He removed his cap tucking it under his left arm. With his right hand he smoothed his slicked back hair. The sound of classical music filled the lobby, many men in uniform were situated around the room. There was a uniform for every branch of the German military, The Luftwaffe (Air force), Wehrmacht (Army) and SS. The only branch absent was the kriegsmarine (Navy).

Franz didn’t want to socialize, he simply received his messages waiting at the front desk then retreated up stairs. In the comfort of his room Albrecht collapsed on the bed with a groan. He reached in his right pocket and removed a small pistol, he set it on the night stand. Franz always carried two pistols, one in his pocket, a small Walther PPK. In his holster he carried a Luger P08 which packed a lot of punch. Both were semi auto matic.

Meanwhile….

Heinz sat in a chair downstairs in the lobby at Aarons Hotel. He had spoken to the manager to get Schellenburg’s room number and decided to linger around for a while. It didn’t take long before Heinz returned to the black car hiding in the shadows up the street. At the base of the door lay several cigarette butts on the road, discarded from the driver’s window that evening. Heinz would continue to watch Aaron until directed otherwise, or a more important matter emerged.