Night settles over Salzstraße as Rothütle and Gord arrive at Hauptmann Seutter von Loetzen's residence.
Rothütle knocks on the heavy wooden door, heart pounding. A servant answers their knock, lantern trembling slightly in the cold air.
"I seek Herr Benz," Rothütle says.
The servant shakes his head. "He left two days ago. Herr Böhler sent a private carriage for him. If you require more information, you may speak with Herr Böhler on Grünwäldergasse Nr. 471, but only tomorrow morning."
Rothütle's face tightens. He glances at Gord, who nods slightly.
"Thank you," Rothütle replies, masking his disappointment.
Back on the street, the door closes behind them. "He's already gone," Rothütle mutters, "so that letter was fake. Someone wanted to lure me out."
Gord watches him with steady focus.
"Then we take precautions. We should leave Freiburg tonight. But not by Böhler's omnibus."
"Because we don't want anyone to know where we are," Rothütle replies.
Gord nods. "Exactly. We go through the Schwabentor. We walk tonight."
Rothütle adjusts his red hat, still shaken but steadier. They leave the quiet street behind them, choosing secrecy over comfort.
Tip of the day. Secure your supply chain by minimizing untrusted intermediaries and verifying all components.