The Rembrandt Affair

Gabriel.
    “Are you armed?”
    “No.”
    “Do you have a phone?”
    “In the car.”
    “Radio?”
    “In the car.”
    “What about a beacon?”
    Gabriel shook his head.
    “I’m going to have to search you.”
    “I can’t wait.”
    Gabriel climbed into the back of the Mercedes and slid across to the center. Brunner got in after him and closed the door.
    “Turn around and get on your knees.”
    “Here?”
    “Here.”
    Gabriel did as he was told and was subjected to a more-than-thorough search, beginning with his shoes and ending with his scalp. When it was over, he turned around again and sat normally. Brunner signaled the driver, and the SUV eased forward.
    “I hope you enjoyed that as much as I did, Jonas.”
    “Shut your mouth, Allon.”
    “Where are my people?”
    Brunner didn’t answer.
    “How far are we going?”
    “Not far. But we have to make a brief stop along the way.”
    “Coffee?”
    “Yes, Allon. Coffee.”
    “I hope you didn’t hurt my girl, Jonas. Because if you hurt her, I’m going to hurt you.”

    T HEY HEADED due east along the edge of a narrow glacial valley. The road ducked in and out of the trees, leaving them in darkness one minute, blinding light the next. The blue-coated guards of Zentrum Security did not speak. Brunner’s shoulder was pressing against Gabriel’s. It was like leaning against a granite massif. The guard on Gabriel’s left was flexing and unflexing his thick hands as if preparing for his solo. Gabriel had no illusions about the stop they were making on their way to see Martin. He wasn’t surprised; it was a customary proceeding before a meeting like this, an aperitif before dinner.
    At the head of the valley the road turned to a single-lane track before rising sharply up the slope of the mountain. A snow-plow had passed through recently, but the Mercedes was barely able to maintain traction as it headed toward the summit. A thousand feet above the valley floor, it came to a stop next to a secluded grove of fir trees. The two men in front immediately climbed out, as did the one on Gabriel’s left. Jonas Brunner made no movement.
    “I don’t think you’ll enjoy this as much as you enjoyed the search.”
    “Is this the part where your men soften me up a bit before I get taken to see Saint Martin?”
    “Just get out of the car, Allon. The sooner we get this over with, the sooner we can be on our way.”
    Gabriel sighed heavily and climbed out.

    J ONAS B RUNNER watched as his three best men marched Gabriel Allon into the trees, then marked the time. Five minutes, he’d told them. Not too much damage, just enough bruising to make him compliant and easy to handle. A part of Brunner was tempted to join in the festivities. He couldn’t. Müller wanted an update.
    He was dialing Müller’s number when a movement in the trees caught his attention. Looking up, he saw a single figure walking purposefully out of the shadows. He glanced at his watch and frowned. He’d ordered his men to be judicious, but two minutes was hardly enough time to do the job right, especially when it involved a man like Gabriel Allon. Then Brunner looked at the figure closely and realized his mistake. It was not one of his own men coming out of the trees. It was Allon …In his hand was a gun, a SIG Sauer P226, the standard-issue sidearm of Zentrum Security. The Israeli ripped open Brunner’s door and pointed the barrel of the gun directly into his face. Brunner didn’t even think about reaching for his weapon.
    “I’m told you speak German, Jonas, so listen carefully. I want you to give me your gun. Slowly, Jonas. Otherwise, I might be tempted to shoot you several times.”
    Brunner reached into his jacket, removed his weapon and handed it to the Israeli butt first.
    “Give me your phone.”
    Brunner complied.
    “Do you have a radio?”
    “No.”
    “A beacon?”
    Brunner shook his head.
    “Too bad. You might need one later. Now get behind the wheel.”
    Brunner did as he was told and started the engine. The Israeli sat behind him, gun to the back of Brunner’s head.
    “How far are we going, Jonas?”
    “Not far.”
    “No more stops?”
    “No.”
    Brunner slipped the Mercedes into gear and continued up the slope of the mountain.
    “Congratulations, Jonas. You just provided me with a weapon and turned yourself into a hostage. All in all, very well played.”
    “Are my men alive?”
    “Two of them are. I’m not so sure about the third.”
    “I’d like to call