The Vanishing Prof Vanderkopf

‘It’s marvellous to see you, Edith, simply marvellous! And in Paris, of all places. How long has it been…maybe ten years? You must tell me what you’ve been working on.’ 

Edith closed the ornate wooden door behind them, gently sliding the latch into place, before ushering Ronald into her richly-furnished living room. She slipped off her raincoat and a glove before gliding toward the drinks cabinet.

‘Such a pleasure, Ronald, truly. I’m so glad we have this chance to catch-up, just like old times,’ she beamed at him. ‘You’re right, I never imagined we’d meet in Paris! Though I spend most of my time in London. Rumour has it, you’re working on something rather special, hmm?’

Edith poured the drinks, holding herself with the same poise and straight-backed elegance she always showed when playing hostess. She watched as the somewhat scruffy Ronald Vanderkopf sank down into a deep red leather armchair, then placed a glass of sherry in his hand. 

‘Well yes, obviously I wouldn’t usually tell this to anyone ahead of the conference, but it’s different with a colleague and old friend. It’s… it’s something of a breakthrough, actually. Something, that in the wrong hands, could be lethal – on a colossal scale.’

Edith slowly lowered herself onto an armchair facing his, perching near the edge of her seat and arching her eyebrows in surprise.

‘So it’s true… The chemical compound you’ve created could actually have… significant consequences?’

‘Indeed. And it couldn’t have come at a better time, what with all the posturing we’re seeing on the Continent. When you’re dealing with bullies, it’s important to show you can defend yourself… The same applies to countries. Anyway, that’s quite enough about me, I want to hear about your work! I’ve tried to keep pace with your career over the years.’

Edith smiled, amused by his good-natured naivety. She opened the leather briefcase next to her chair, reached her gloved hand inside, and pulled out a batch of papers in a manila folder. 

‘Of course, Ronald. In fact, I would very much value your feedback on my latest project. I’m working with a French pharmaceutical company on a new medicine they’re developing; we’re calling it Vitiphene…’

Ronald put his sherry on the side table and stretched his hand out to take the folder. ‘If you’re leading the team, I’m sure it’ll be simply marvellous, Edith.’ The Professor sighed as he sank back again into his comfortable armchair. He took the reading glasses that hung from a chain around his neck, placed them on the end of his nose, and opened the folder.

***

Dear Agent,

Thanks to your quick work, you’ve prevented Dr Dante from executing the final step of her nefarious plan. This is the intelligence we’ve uncovered: 

Professor Vanderkopf and Dr Dante were old friends, having worked together many years ago. However, in the years prior to their final meeting, Edith Dante had become a Nazi sympathiser, working covertly with German scientists on developing deadly chemical compounds that would strengthen the Nazi cause. 

Professor Vanderkopf had developed a breakthrough chemical compound that could be used to create highly effective and deadly weapons, the like of which the world has never seen before. The Professor was due to present the outline of his paper at the Canrai Conference, although the details would remain a closely guarded secret. 

Having confirmed the invention of the compound, Dr Dante invited the Professor to her Parisian apartment for an aperitif. She handed him some of her own papers, which were laced with an untraceable poison – remaining careful to use gloves to handle the folder. The Professor was dead within minutes. 

Having secured the Professor’s detailed papers, she arranged for her contacts to dispose of the body, which was left in a quiet clearing, only to be discovered several days later.  

We were able to apprehend Dr Dante before she made her way to the German Embassy in Paris, where she was intent on smuggling the Professor’s papers to her Nazi contacts. 

Thanks to your swift work, we have prevented the Professor’s breakthrough from falling into the wrong hands. By slowing down the Nazis’ progress, we’ve saved countless lives. 

Good work, Agent. We’ll be sure to find you the next time there’s a mystery to solve.

Agent M.