Munich Nights Chapter 70: “Carin’s Recollections”

But Carin had immediately noticed that a bulky specially gift-wrapped parcel was now openly on display and she had seen that Karen had earlier clutched this mysterious item in her arms like a prized possession as she entered the room. Carin had naturally enquired of her as to what was concealed in that carefully enclosed parcel. “How mysterious?” She stated with an exaggerated raised eyebrow as she waited expectantly for all to be revealed…..READ MORE

Munich Nights Chapter 69: “Hermann Is Summoned By The Police”

Just as they were about to walk towards that open, gilded elevator with the usual waiting, bored attendant observing their arrival, at that same time a young agitated desk clerk had discreetly approached Hermann announcing himself with a quiet cough. The youth then silently passed over an official-looking embossed letter that had just arrived that morning. He then explained, looking around and stating almost in a whisper that it had been hand-delivered….READ MORE

Munich Nights Chapter 68: “An Annoyed Doctor Nagel Arrives”

Several small facial creases were now finely etched around her emerald green eyes. Perhaps, suspected Karen, the young doctor had needed spectacles for close studies as an idealistic young final-year student studying from her medical textbooks. In maybe a draughty Berlin garret perhaps preparing for an important exam? Or maybe reading an advanced final text paper by a flickering melting candle or a dim flickering torch placed precariously at her elbow? ….READ MORE

Munich Nights Chapter 67: “Karen Collects Her Prized Elephant”

She did wonder then what warning had been threatened by the nurse earlier to that rude oaf. And she certainly was very impressed by what she had witnessed and how it had been handled so quickly by her. This nurse certainly would be an important future asset to the party she realised, if and when any crisis arose as it well might in the uncertain political years ahead for Germany…..READ MORE

Munich Nights Chapter 66: “The Couple Are Interrupted In The Park By A Noisy Disturbance And Then Dealt With Rather Quickly”

“Oh no,” Karen laughed at this surprising suggestion that rather appealed to her than adding: “It was all rather strange I suppose looking back now about really what happened years ago. Because I was  shopping one morning looking for a new hat of all things in Munich when suddenly a young thief darted by and snatched my handbag from my shoulder and ran off with it.” She paused recalling the event….READ MORE

Munich Nights Chapter 65: “Karen Discusses How She Met Walter”

Then, saying softly to a still surprisingly attentive Karen and with genuine feeling it seemed: “So I and my dear family will forever I suppose owe a great deal to the Reichsfuhrer that we could never possibly repay. And both my dear mother and myself can never thank him enough. Sorry, but I do so get so rather emotional” her voice shaking with emotion…READ MORE

Munich Nights Chapter 64: “Nurse Hoffman’s Sad Tale”

The nurse explained with much unabashed affection that since the difficult birth of her younger brother Rolf, the boy had actually and very sadly been diagnosed as seriously sight impaired when he was just two years old. Now at ten years old and bravely in all weathers, he usually left home with his sister and sold matches and other assorted small items from a tray. And usually if possible, from outside the main Berlin railway station. Some days he would sadly only bring home a few hard-earned marks to add to the family budget…READ MORE

Munich Nights Chapter 63: “Lunchen In The Garden”

It was now a welcoming cool high noon and the pair walked in search of a friendly nearby cafe for some lunch. Noticeably, nurse Hoffman was now displaying some colour to her earlier pinched cheeks ….READ MORE

Munich Nights Chapter 62: “Into The Cathedral For An Important Purpose”

For several minutes nurse Hoffman stood still, just standing rigidly on those aged and well-scrubbed church wooden floorboards. That certainly must have been previously assaulted by thousands of the boots of past town worshippers over the centuries. Now she was simply terrified, feeling so alone and wretched and waiting for that frightening apparition to glide once again with menace towards her…..READ MORE

Munich Nights Chapter 61: “A Visit To The Town Cathedral For An Important Party Mission”

For Karen and the nurse, the town had exposed some hidden delights to them in their first exploration of walking and talking together in and through the quaint little lanes and terraces and parks. Previously whilst walking with Carin she had frequently paused and waited for her dear friend to keep abreast with her. Now both women could keep pace with one other and enjoy what they could see and admire before and all around them…..READ MORE

Munich Nights Chapter 60: “Some Purchased Gifts And A Fine Carved Elephant”

“Would you both care to benefit from a guided tour of our beautiful cathedral ladies,?” a kind voice welcomed them at the high oak mediaeval church door entrance. Standing there was a cheerful, elderly middle-aged guide wearing the usual traditional black clerical cassock as he smiled openly at them. But he was in fact the verger and apparently with some pride, was entitled to wear this priestly garment by permission of the archbishop no less. Now he regarded them both with interest and some scrutiny…READ MORE

Munich Nights Chapter 59: “Preparations For The Road Trip”

Karen had naturally of course welcomed with delight, this future motoring idea proposed by Adolph of all people who couldn’t even drive a motor car. She had read about it the following morning in the Nachrichten Muenchen over their breakfast table on the terrace of their Munich home. She then remarked rather mischievously to Walter as she dusted any stray crumbs from her new floral dress: “Then if this is true, my darling, I shall order if possible, a canary yellow sports car and be the first citizen in Munich to drive one….and” she added for effect, “have a set of personalised number plates designed and fitted to my car if possible?” “Then just to swan about the town like that proverbial Lady of the Manor that we read about so often in those old English novels.”….READ MORE

Munich Nights Chapter 58: “Doctor Nagel And That Secret Potion of The Dead Doctor”

By the time Walter and Doctor Nagel strolled back into the now busy rather picturesque cobbled pitted town square, they were informed by an agitated perspiring, Sgt. Picoult, now seen sitting forlornly on the roadside curb, announced that the car had been towed to the local Mercedes-Benz garage for immediate repairs and should hopefully be completed soon within the hour, to then hopefully be started and driven for the brief successful journey back to Bamberg, and perhaps beyond that if the time of course permitted…READ MORE

Munich Nights Chapter 57: “The Death of Goering, And The Final Burial of Carin”

It really is doubtful, I suggest if many, or if any of the children and their tired parents had ever heard or set eyes upon Carin Goering. Many would also suffer painfully that day, from the swirling train grit entering their eyes as the steam train passed slowly by the flower-adorned swastika flag-draped station platform…READ MORE

Munich Nights Chapter 56: “Carin’s Body Is Taken To Germany In Splendid Style”

With priceless tapestries and other valuable art objects seen on open display perhaps Albert Speer, Hitler’s so-called favourite architect, would be involved in some if not all of the preparation from the beginning as well. The interior of the house was almost finished with some stables to be added later…READ MORE

Munich Nights Chapter 55: “Carin’s Grave Seriously Desecrated. Hermann Is Furious”

Naturally “The Swedish Seaman’s Refuge” quickly followed suit by offering a silent male guard of honour in the church’s assembled room of condolences. But each silent man remembered with affection and some with open sadness what Carin had brought to each of their young lives over a brief period of time. Someone had suggested a local artist prepare a pen and ink sketch to remember Carin. Then when finished to be presented in the refuge hallway…READ MORE

Munich Nights Chapter 54: “The Book of Sorrows, And Some Last Farewells Said”

On the night Carin died Karen had been sitting in her usual but rather uncomfortable position by her friend’s bedside. She had earlier kicked off her shoes and placed her tired feet onto the chair that she had carried around to her side of the bed. The same chair in fact that Hermann had been seated in just recently, before his delayed departure to Berlin for important political talks in forming hopefully a new government…READ MORE

Munich Nights Chapter 53: “Carin’s Death”

During that turbulent summer of 1931, Carin was voluntarily admitted to a local and popular sanatorium that briefly helped to medically boost her sinking stamina. She was also delighted when the party won 108 seats in the REICHSTAG parliamentary elections…READ MORE

Munich Nights Chapter 52: “The Spiritual Beauty of Psalm 64″

The two women then wandered over to a noisy duck pond and sat down on a new wooden bench. Carin had beckoned to her nurse and driver to please remain seated in the cafe’s veranda but to be close by at all times for their safety sake…READ MORE

Munich Nights Chapter 51: “A Dangerous Attempt Against The Life of Carin Goering”

Karen had been getting rather bored with the humorous driver and his silly stories. And she definitely did not believe either story of that dinosaur egg or of the helpless Napoleon being locked in a cell. Rubbish she thought…..READ MORE

Munich Nights Chapter 50: “The Future Death of Carin Goering”

She had noted with much concern and alarm that her dear friend Carin was failing in health over the last few weeks. But somehow Carin always managed to continue in her weakened search for her own personal survival, and to be somehow at peace with herself….READ MORE

Munich Nights Chapter 49: “Exploring Bamberg”

In the discreetly placed hotel manager’s small, but comfortable private office, Hermann was talking and listening intently on the office telephone to Heinrich (Himmler) who was now speaking quietly from his home in Munich. Walter with the aid of a convenient small earpiece attached to the telephone could also listen in as well to what was being said by Heinrich…READ MORE

Munich Nights Chapter 48: “Nurse Stanic Prepares Plans For Her Future

She now reasoned that had not her own despised people – the Hebrew race – been persecuted consistently for over six thousand years? She had never given its repercussions a second thought in the past. And perhaps she should have done so!… READ MORE

Munich Nights Chapter 47: “Bella Fears For Her Future”

In the high walled corner of the now crowded busy square, a simple wooden stage had been hastily erected. With many jovial actors in bright homemade coloured costumes, now performing a comedy of sorts. An amusing, decorated jester added to the afternoon as he stumbled drunkenly in and out of the laughing audience. Most unaware he was actually part of this live performance…READ MORE

Munich Nights Chapter 46: “Memories of Dreams For Carin“

Now tightly holding those distinctive gold spear painted railings, Carin keenly observed the bright early morning activity in the open square below. The selected fruits she noticed was being built into pyramid shapes and some apples even were given a discreet spit and polish. The assorted vegetables were also arranged in eye-catching symmetrical shapes…READ MORE

Munich Nights Chapter 45: “Settling Into The Hotel”

Displayed above the circular concierges’ busy reception desk were posited the familiar German tricolour and Bavarian white and blue lozenge flag. A cleared space between the two caused Karen to say to Walter rather hopefully, “Wouldn’t it be nice to see our own swastika standard secured in that middle space someday”?…READ MORE

Munich Nights Chapter 44: “Bamberg: A Brief Welcomed Restpite”

The outer (now rather aged and crumbling) perimeter walls of Bamberg old town were apparently constructed very carefully on seven hills, many years before. These were witnessed by all weary travellers into open view as the dawn of the new day finally arrived…READ MORE

Munich Nights Chapter 43: “Strange Night Sounds From The Seashore”

It had been arranged to journey down to the deserted beach with Carin now happily secured in a new wheelchair and wrapped in a heavy Ulster coat that settled onto her fragile shoulders like a collapsed canvas tent.. READ MORE

Munich Nights Chapter 42: “A Planned Visit At Night To A Deserted Beach”

She now spoke softly, shaking her weary head as if remembering slices of forgotten episodes from her past life. She was also now very subdued as she spoke in a minor tone of voice: “I was just a young woman from Sweden with a failed marriage behind me who just happened to fall in love and marry a famous German air force pilot. …READ MORE

Munich Nights Chapter 41: “Carin’s Frightening Dream”

Later that evening as Karen strolled around the deserted gardens enjoying the magnolia aroma that had silently seduced the arriving night air and for herself, she came across the hospital superintendent enjoying his habitual …READ MORE

Munich Nights Chapter 40: “Tying Up Some Loose Ends”

Then our family house and the last remnants of our lovely village and all working kitchen staff in the castle finally and quickly departed. My father, still grieving my dead mother, and being one of the last finally had to leave. …READ MORE

Munich Nights Chapter 39: “Death And Decline In The Dying Village”

He had by now declined any food that my father had secretly brought to him to be passed through those cold iron bars. He would shake his head saying simply: “I’m just not hungry Rory.” …READ MORE

Munich Nights Chapter 38: “Confinement For The Defeated Brother”

For the grieving brother Jerome, all he could now do was watch these pre-funeral rites being performed before him while believing he had simply failed his patient. His own future he knew was uncertain and frightening. His coming fate would soon be revealed to him …READ MORE

Munich Nights Chapter 37: “Death In The Bedroom, And The Brother’s Life Now In Danger”

My father turned and assisted the dazed brother to his booted feet but although intimidated, he then quickly dismissed any request for a refreshment. And instead with a deep bow to lady Louisa, he returned to his temporary dispensary. Still desperate somehow if possible to …READ MORE

Munich Nights Chapter 36: “The Dying Duke Receives Help From The Brother”

Both Karen and Carin had been entranced of course by the old man and his shared and perhaps painful family memories that must have reached back some fifty years or more into his youth. It had been fascinating for them both then to listen to …READ MORE

Munich Nights Chapter 35: “Caring For The Dying Duke, And Danger Seen In The Castle”

The new infirmary quickly and happily flourished treating the usual medical maladies. Such as ear and eye infections, sprained wrists and ankles and toothache. Even an occasional birth happened and naturally, death lingered to introduce itself. There was even a small comfortable enclosure prepared for sick …READ MORE

Munich Nights Chapter 34: “A New Infirmary Is Planned And Some Further Alphabet Lessons Are Arranged For The Boy”

“Even then when an unexpected sudden shower splashed down onto the crowded square, the now excited audience did not decrease but somehow increased, in their sickening cruel enjoyment and satisfaction in this cruel puppet depiction of the king and his queen. The rain would certainly …READ MORE

Munich Nights Chapter 33: “Happy Memories of Old Venice, And A Sinister Puppet Show Performed In Windsor”

My mother and sister were both of course anxiously waiting and very concerned at the open door of our cottage when I arrived home. Excited but still very confused about what had just happened. I just walked inside past them without a word and sat …READ MORE

Munich Nights Chapter 32: “The Lady Louise Arrives To Seek The Brother’s Assistance”

And true to his word I departed to reluctantly leave for my home and leave him happily to remain with his beloved books alongside his jars and pots and antique scales. An authoritative voice from outside announced its shrill presence demanding to be heard: “Open …READ MORE

Munich Nights Chapter 31: “Rory Learns Important Lessons of Life”

The brother then wrote carefully on his little board the first ten letters of the alphabet and immediately below each letter, the numbers from 1- 10. He simply explained to me the difference in words and numbers. And had me count by rote and with …READ MORE

Munich Nights Chapter 30: “The Brother Settles In And Quickly Makes An Impression”

When my father had mysteriously departed that foggy May morning the previous year, remarking casually to us, ‘that he was just going out and would be back soon with some much-needed kindling firewood,’ we sat and foolishly waited. But of course, he never returned to …READ MORE

Munich Nights Chapter 29: “Brother Jerome Arrives Mysteriously” 

“Our little village of forty souls boasted some fifteen children of various ages and sizes. We never knew how old we all were of course,  simply because none of us had ever celebrated a known birthday. We were just born or had just arrived and …READ MORE

Munich Nights Chapter 28: “The Old Man And His Village, And The Arrival of Brother Jerome”

Darling Walter, Today I am going on an exciting picnic with Carin, well who else, to see and explore the surrounding but rather interesting countryside and we’re really both looking forward to it. Otto will be our usual driver … oh but before I forget, …READ MORE

Munich Nights Chapter 27: “The Gradual Demise of Carin Goring And Introducing ‘Brother’ Jerome”

Since she had been a young girl and experiencing and approaching adolescence, Karen Auer had recorded her thoughts, dreams and desires into her trusted Moroccan bound yearly diary. An unexpected Christmas gift, as she later recalled, on her twelfth birthday from her father. After her …READ MORE

Munich Nights Chapter 26: “Geli Raubal’s Lost Diary And An Important Encounter With An Academic”

Heinrich stood watching his staff car depart into the folds of the Munich night. Then he turned and beckoned one of the passing white-coated waiters. He requested that Herr Hess, Doctor Goebbels, Captain Goring and Herr Frick please join him in one of the few …READ MORE

Munich Night’s Chapter 25: “Karen’s Important Announcement And The Order of The Green Sash”

Placed diametrically along the walls were some gold and silvered framed and dated enlarged black and white gloss photographs of the party’s past progress taken over the previous years. They depicted marches and rally skirmishes and parades all now captured in portraits and with printed …READ MORE

Munich Nights Chapter 24: “New Party Headquarters Opened, And Geli Gets Frightened”

Although Walter fully supported the policy of the party and indeed had helped write the party’s manifesto as regards the so-called ‘Jewish question’, he had always remained perhaps rather ambivalent about such a ‘conspiracy’ concerning the accused Jews and their role in the coming political …READ MORE

Munich Nights Chapter 23: “An Armenian Tragedy And Finally On The Move”

Some months later Heinrich wished to confide a certain secret to Walter. The recent unexpected financial collapse on Wall Street in New York seemed to have greatly benefited the party coffers for some reason. And with hundreds of new prospective members and donors seeking membership …READ MORE

Munich Nights Chapter 22: “Some Visits To Paris By The Couple And Other Highlights

Greta Sconia’s invited party was being hosted at the famed Ritz Hotel in the sumptuous ‘Van dyke suite’ and it was revving up to be a success and as always fuelled by copious amounts of lethal alcohol when the couple arrived slightly late. The heel …READ MORE

Munich Nights Chapter 21: “The River Seine Claims A New Victim”

Walter and Karen had themselves been welcomed most warmly by a smiling fawning doorman fitted out in the usual uniform of a commissioned Russian Cossack serving in the Tsars Royal guard. He smartly saluted and welcomed them in Russian than in French then escorted them …READ MORE

Munich Nights Chapter 20: “A Dangerous Mission In Paris”

The years following the nuptials of Walter and Karin were rich and rewarding for both of them. A bond of love was fermented between the two. It would later become imperishable. Quickly they became familiar with each other’s habits and sense of humour and shared …READ MORE

Munich Nights Chapter 19: “On The Move And The Removal of A Body”

Now hopefully soon after her arrival in Germany there to arrange the acquaintance of this man who had stood very close to Heinrich Himmler in that recent news photograph she now speculated that it should not take too long to motor down from Stuttgart to …READ MORE

Munich Nights Chapter 18: “Important Orders Arrive From Moscow”

Bella Stavisky was suddenly aware of a shadow standing, somehow looming over her, and turning she looked into Leonard’s face. His stubble seemed to have spread she noticed that was highlighted in the fading London afternoon light. “Come, Lt. Colonel Stavisky, we both have important …READ MORE

Munich Nights Chapter 17: “Bella Is Attacked, And Receives An Award At The Russian Embassy”

Through a colleague in the parliamentary members’ office was a man who was always very sympathetic to any soviet cause, Bella had learned with great interest that the young man had a birthday approaching in several days time. She then instructed Ninotchka to post to …READ MORE

Munich Nights Chapter, 16: “Bella Arrives In London On Secret Moscow Mission”

Bella Stavisky arrived at Victoria Station and was welcomed by her embassy contact answering only to the name of ‘Serge’. His face rather resembled a bloated frog after a debauched pub crawl, with his hair smeared back by goblets of pomade. She herself had experienced …READ MORE

Munich Nights Chapter, 15: “The Death of Bella’s Baby”

But the Tsar’s brutal Okhrana police DID arrive and with newly signed arrest warrants for both of them. Just ten days after that bureaucratic blunder that the police had overlooked, had now been discovered and rectified by the authorities. Bella and Lev had been married …READ MORE

Munich Nights Chapter, 14: “Bella Stavisky And Murder In Zermatt”

For some reason Bella Stavisky, unlike the other excited Zermatt tourists, detested snow. It brought with it too many unpleasant memories of her youth. Yes, it was pretty she supposed in a fanciful sort of way as it silently descended from the leaden skies. Only …READ MORE

Munich Nights Chapter, 13: “Zermatt And Its Consequences”

For Walter, the arrival into the enchanting town of Zermatt would never be obliterated from his memory even ninety-eight years later. For him, it was the first time he had departed from Germany. For Karin, Zermatt was also a delight to visit and explore. She …READ MORE

Munich Nights Chapter, 12: “Wedding Lunch With Some Musical Delights And Surprises”

The celebratory luncheon for the couple was to be allocated and hosted in the Bavarian Room of the then prestigious five star Hotel Pierre. It still stands gracefully and proud today, only now christened the more oblique Hotel Dubois. In previous years, engagements were catered …READ MORE

Munich Nights Chapter, 11: “Walter And Karin’s Wedding”

Just weeks before the couple’s wedding day was both dangerous and daunting for Walter as a serving police officer. Yet he revelled in all aspects of the Munich police procedures and principles. “Oh yes, Walter is a natural administrator Heinrich and in my humble opinion, …READ MORE

Munich Nights Chapter, 10: “Carin Relates An Old Swedish Legend With Walter In Her Garden”

(The above is the only known portrait of Karin to have survived.  It was discovered in a bank vault in Hamburg whilst the building was being refurbished.  Along with personal letters, some jewellery and a coloured urn of cremated ashes, recipient unknown.  As there were …READ MORE

Munich Nights Chapter 9: “Reopening Painful Family Wounds In Berlin”

Frequent reoccurring health ailments had arrived and assaulted Walter Kyper’s health. These being a painful ear and throat infection.  He always blamed these ailments on being assaulted by his frequently inebriated father. He had in fact been frequently rendered unconscious as a defenceless boy, suffering from his father’s …READ MORE

Munich Nights Chapter 8: “A Request And A Warning”

Several days before their future wedding nuptials were announced, Karin suggested they perhaps motor out to the atmospheric Lake Starnberg region.  Here historically in 1886, King Ludwig of Bavaria was discovered face down in the water. A memorial cross marks the spot. (see picture). His then …READ MORE

Munich Nights Chapter 7: “Stavisky’s Swan Song, And A Silent Plea From A Lost Princess”

Then clutching the artifacts Heinrich had presented to him, he turned and began walking home to his deserted rooms. He then stopped, paused and decided that he would, however, return instead to the party office.  Now feeling somehow awkward and affected by being watched carrying the …READ MORE

Munich Nights Chapter 6: “Enter Leon Stavisky, And Later An Unexpected Marriage Proposal”

Over the next few weeks, Walter had eagerly accompanied Karin Auer to the parks as well as to those majestic Munich museums and the always popular coffee houses that this ‘city of charm’ offered in abundance and variety.  Always talking and learning so much more about …READ MORE

Munich Nights Chapter 5: “Attempted Assassination On Himmler”

Some days later, Walter reported to the party headquarters before signing in that afternoon for duty at the police station. The security was visible outside as usual, he was satisfied to note.  However, he was aware that there were two men outside that he hadn’t noticed …READ MORE

Munich Nights Chapter 4: “An Historic And Lost Photograph Taken In The Auer Garden”

In the pages of history, there have always been those defining days that designed our perspective of the past. For example, when Mary of Magdala first witnessed the Lord Jesus walking near the tomb, or when Columbus the navigator sighted the “New World,” or when …READ MORE

Munich Nights Chapter 3: “Departures and Arrivals”

In the 1928 elections for the Reichstag, the party did unexpectedly well and returned 12 out of 491 deputies. Walter then presumed that they were onwards and upwards. Maybe, at last, he speculated, the political tide had perhaps turned. Obviously, all those tedious miles they …READ MORE

Munich Nights Chapter 2: “Meeting ‘Uncle Ernst,’ ‘Lady Cynthia’ And The ‘First Lady of The Party’”

Captain Ernst Rohm finished his stein of pilsner beer with a belch, then dismissed the group of hangers-on at his table as he turned towards Walter and enquired with genuine concern, “Have you somewhere to stay in Munich… any relatives or friends?” as his forefinger …READ MORE

Munich Nights Chapter 1: “Waiting & Remembering”

For the past 17 years, at 3.35 a.m. each morning in his comfortable Munich bedroom in the suburb of Haidhausen, Walter William Kypper opened his eyes and thought to himself, “I’m alive,” as the night departed and the dawn arrived. Walter had always considered this …READ MORE