I'm a Profiteer in Cold War Germany

Chapter 171: Chapter 81: Vogel’s Legal Framework (Part 2)

Vogel stood up and picked up his briefcase. "I’ll submit the documents tomorrow. If everything goes smoothly, we should have news soon."

"What do you need me to do?"

"Nothing for now," Vogel said. "You keep doing your business and maintain a low profile. I’ll notify you the moment the framework is approved. At that point, we can discuss the specifics of how to operate."

Werner nodded, watching as Vogel left the restaurant.

The rain had stopped, and puddles on the street reflected the gray, overcast sky. Werner remained seated and lit another cigarette.

’Vogel was right; getting the framework approved was only the first step.’

Once the official program was established, Werner’s role would become even more important.

Contacting families in West Germany, negotiating ransoms through the Church’s channels, arranging for handlers, and helping people leave the country—every step was a chance to make money. And it would be legitimate money, earned aboveboard, no longer requiring any secrecy.

Werner stubbed out his cigarette, got up, and left the restaurant.

************

At three in the afternoon, Werner arrived at an old apartment building in the Prenzlauer Berg District. This was one of the three safe houses he rented to shelter political prisoners awaiting their departure.

He climbed to the fourth floor and knocked on the door. Three short taps, one long. It was the signal.

The door opened. Franz stood behind it. "Boss, they’re all here."

Five people were sitting in the living room—three men and two women. They wore old clothes, their faces pale, their eyes a mixture of anxiety and anticipation. A few simple bags were piled in the corner. On the coffee table sat a half-full glass of water and a few slices of black bread.

"Comrade Betelich," a man in his forties stood up, "is there any news?"

"Yes." Werner sat down on the sofa and lit a cigarette. "Good news."

All five pairs of eyes lit up.

"I just spoke with Lawyer Vogel," Werner said. "The legal framework he drafted has been submitted to the Ministry of Justice. If it’s approved, you’ll all be able to leave the country through official channels and won’t have to hide here anymore."

"When?" a young woman asked, her voice trembling slightly.

"It will still be a few months," Werner said. "This kind of thing involves multiple departments and requires careful coordination. But the basic direction has been set. It’s just a matter of time."

"A few months?" another man frowned. "We’ve already been waiting for almost two."

"I know," Werner said. "But it’s much better than waiting in prison, isn’t it? Besides, there’s been progress now, which means things are moving in the right direction."

"And what if it isn’t approved?" the young woman asked.

"It won’t fail," Werner said. "The higher-ups at the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ministry of Internal Affairs are all very interested in this idea. They care about foreign currency and international image. As long as it benefits the country, it will be approved."

He stood up and walked to the window. "What you need to do now is continue to wait. Don’t go out. Don’t contact anyone from the outside. I will bring food and supplies regularly. I’ll notify you the moment the approval comes through."

"Comrade Betelich," the man in his forties walked over. "Our families are in West Germany. Do they know how much to pay?"

"They know," Werner said. "I’ve contacted them through the Church’s channels. They’re all prepared, just waiting for the official process to begin."

The man’s eyes reddened. "Thank you. Truly, thank you."

"Don’t thank me," Werner said. "You pay, I get things done. It’s a fair transaction."

He turned and left the safe house. As he walked down the stairs, he heard the sound of soft sobbing behind him.

Werner didn’t look back. He knew what these people were waiting for, and he knew how desperate they were. But to him, their desperation was business.

*************

One afternoon a few weeks later, Werner was in the warehouse taking stock of some goods—a new shipment of radios destined for the NES pilot factory. Franz was doing the books nearby, and Hank was inspecting the packaging.

"Boss," Hank said suddenly. "Someone’s at the door looking for you."

Werner looked up and saw Vogel standing at the warehouse entrance, briefcase in hand, a smile on his face.

That smile said it all.

Werner walked out of the warehouse.

"Approved?" Werner asked.

"Approved," Vogel said. "The Deputy Minister of Justice read the documents and found them very professional and feasible. He called a meeting with people from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the Planning Commission. Everyone agreed the plan was worth a try."

"When does it start?"

"Still a few months," Vogel said. "This kind of thing involves multiple departments and requires careful coordination. Plus, they still need to establish secret contacts with West Germany to negotiate prices and handover methods. But the basic direction is set. Now, it’s just a matter of time."

Werner gazed at the river in the distance. Oily slicks floated on the water’s surface, reflecting the gloomy daylight.

"One more thing," Vogel said. "The Deputy Minister asked me if I would be willing to serve as a ’legal advisor,’ responsible for drafting the official release documents and supervising the procedure’s execution. I accepted."

"Congratulations."

"This isn’t a congratulations for me," Vogel said. "It’s for us. Having this position means we’ll have firsthand information—who’s approved for release, when they’re released, and where they’re sent. That information will be very useful for the entire operation."

Werner nodded. "And what about my part?"

"Your role will be even more important," Vogel said. "Once the official system is established, someone will be needed to contact the families in West Germany, negotiate the ransoms, and arrange the handovers. You’re the most familiar with the channels through the Church. All that work can be given to you."

"Officially?"

"Officially," Vogel nodded. "You can participate under the title ’Humanitarian Coordinator.’ No more sneaking around. Every step will be legal, and every penny will be legitimate income."

Werner smiled. "Sounds good."

"It’s more than good." Vogel lowered his voice. "This is a long-term business, Betelich. Even though it’s just small-batch and secret for now, I predict that in a few years, when relations between East and West Germany eventually thaw, the scale of this trade will be much larger. By then, we won’t be playing small anymore."

Werner looked at Vogel for a long moment before speaking. "You have a clear view of the political situation."

"As a lawyer, one must see the situation clearly," Vogel said. "But for now, let’s focus on the task at hand. The people in those safe houses should be able to get out before summer."

"Good." Werner extended his hand.

Vogel took his hand. "A pleasure doing business with you, Comrade Betelich."

"A pleasure."

Vogel turned and left. Werner stood where he was, watching his figure disappear at the end of the road.

"Boss," Franz walked over. "What’s going on?"

"Good news," Werner said. "Very good news."

He turned and walked back into the warehouse, his mind already calculating his next moves.

’Another opportunity had presented itself.’