The Paris Architect

Lucien is terrified when Colonel Schlegal calls him to German headquarters, but he is slightly reassured by his friendly phone demeanor. Schlegal informs him that he is there to consult on an architectural matter: a clever hiding place under stairs. Lucien does his best to remain calm as Schlegal asks who could have designed it. He says he only knows three men who could have come up with such an idea, but two were dead and the third had left Paris.

Herzog soon interrupts their meeting, demanding to know why his architect was taken. Schlegal assures him that Lucien is only there to consult on the woodworking hiding places. It soon becomes apparent that the two colonels detest one another, as Herzog makes no attempt to hide his disdain for Schlegal and his activities. When Schlegal cautions Herzog’s words, saying that “interfering with Reich business” is a “serious charge,” Herzog tells him he can “go shit in (his) hat” and welcomes him to call Reich Minister Speer to report him (316). 

Lucien meets with Henri Devereaux, a fellow architect and former rival who is struggling to find work. He asks Lucien to put in a good word for him with the Germans, but Lucien, pleased to see Devereaux desperate, says there’s nothing he can do.