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“You Americans are such hypocrites.”

“What does this have to do with Americans?”

“The U.S. Census Bureau used Hollerith machines to ask about quadroons and octoroons. It’s okay for the Americans to identify their Black bogeyman. But let the Germans ask who has Jewish blood, and it’s an international crisis.”

“I have no time to trade insults,” said Watson. “Germany made my decision for me when they invaded Poland. No 405 alphabetizers to the Third Reich.”

“Germany is not at war with the United States,” said Heidinger. “Have you asked your shareholders how they feel about your decision?”

“Making a decision like this ismyjob.”

“No,” said Heidinger. “When it comes to Germany, it’s your job to bow your head as you receive the Merit Cross. It’s your job to smile for the press as you trumpet your slogan as president of the ICC, ‘World peace through world trade.’ It’s my job to know all the thingsyoudon’t want to know.”

“That’s enough, Willy.”

“You know I can’t make these machines in Berlin. The 405 requires rationed metals that Dehomag cannot get.”

“That’s not my problem,” said Watson.

“You’re being a fool! In a week, all of Poland will fall. If we don’t deliver these alphabetizers, youwilllose your Polish sub.”

“I understand the risk.”

“Sacrificing your shareholders will not save the world! The Führer will get these new machines from someplace. Even if he has to steal the technology from Dehomag and make them in a government-run factory.”

Watson hesitated, then asked the question that was on the mind of every American CEO in 1939: “Is that what you believe is coming? Nationalization of U.S. companies by the Third Reich?”

“Let me be very clear on this. There is one way to make sure the Third Reichwillnationalize Dehomag. And that is ifyoukeep us from getting the 405 alphabetizers.”

Watson did not reply.

“Watson, do you hear what I’m telling you?”

More silence.

“I need an answer,” said Heidinger.

There was none, which only infuriated the German CEO.

“Watson!”

Finally, Watson spoke, trouble in his voice. “I’ll have to call you back,” he said.

Kate’s cellphone rang, and she was suddenly back in the real world. It was Noah.

“Hey, sorry to call so late,” he said.

“No problem. I was up.”

“I have some disturbing news. Patrick Battle has gone missing.”

“I know. I heard.”

There was silence on the line, and Kate could tell he had something more to say.

“Go ahead,” said Kate.

“Go ahead and what?” asked Noah

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