“Why not? They were educated people. Scientists, engineers, doctors, businessmen. Even bankers, like you. But the Fuhrer’s doctrine required cleansing Europe of the Jews to free up opportunities and wealth for the Aryan race. Turned out to be a tragic waste, in my opinion.”

“The costs of elimination?”

“The whole thing. Anti-Jew policies were useful initially to galvanize our political power, fire up the street. But actually rounding them up, transporting them, exterminating them? Huge waste of resources. And those who survived are helping our enemies defeat us.” Klaus motioned vaguely. “Anyway, the largest stones are in a steel case in the cabin, strapped to the passenger seat. Ten to thirty-five karats each. Museum quality. You’ll need to be very discreet when you sell those.”

The banker pulled down a mahogany tray, which formed a small working space. He produced a sheet of paper and copied the total quantities of each category of stones and jewelry, checking the numbers twice against the ledger. “You must choose an account number and a password that you’ll remember easily.”

Klaus took the pen and glanced at Tanya. In the space for the account number he wrote 829111. For the password he entered AYNAT. He sighed below: Klaus von Koenig, 00:16 a.m., January 1, 1945

Armande took the form and held it high, blowing on the wet ink. When he was satisfied, he folded it and tucked it away. “Regarding the conversion of all your deposits into liquid assets, I recommend a basket of currencies.”

“With all due respect, I prefer American stocks. Sell everything and buy shares of American corporations.”

“But America is broke. After the war, their economy will crash. How about-”

“The Americans are winning. Not the British, Canadians, Australians, or the Russian swine. The Americans have spirit. Forget Deutschland Uber Alles. From now on, it will be America Uber Alles. That’s the future!” He sat back with sudden weariness. “Buy me American stocks-manufacturing, food, oil, chemicals.”