The Lockheed dipped, levelled, and touched down.
Chamberlain stepped out first.
Wind tugged at his coat.
Ribbentrop stood at the foot of the stairs with a smile that didn't touch his eyes.
"Prime Minister," he said in polished English. "The Führer is honoured to receive you."
"Honour and necessity often meet on the same road," Chamberlain said, and took the last step to the ground.
They drove through forest.
The road climbed.
The trees held the rain like a second sky.
No one spoke for a while.
When they did, it was Ribbentrop rehearsing courtesy.
"You will find the Chancellor frank," he said. "He values plain speaking."
"I value plain speaking that keeps men alive," Chamberlain said.
The car eased into a courtyard of stone and angles.
The Berghof looked like a postcard made stern.
Inside, the floors were polished to a warning.
A secretary with a stiff collar took their hats. A guard opened a door.
