Mortal Mischief Read online

  Table of Contents

  About the Author

  By the Same Author

  Title Page

  Copyright Page

  Part One The God of Storms Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Part Two The Third Person Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Chapter 35

  Part Three The Beethoven Frieze Chapter 36

  Chapter 37

  Chapter 38

  Chapter 39

  Chapter 40

  Chapter 41

  Chapter 42

  Chapter 43

  Chapter 44

  Chapter 45

  Chapter 46

  Chapter 47

  Chapter 48

  Chapter 49

  Chapter 50

  Chapter 51

  Chapter 52

  Part Four The Last Seance Chapter 53

  Chapter 54

  Chapter 55

  Chapter 56

  Chapter 57

  Chapter 58

  Chapter 59

  Chapter 60

  Chapter 61

  Chapter 62

  Chapter 63

  Chapter 64

  Chapter 65

  Part Five The Pocket Kozy Chapter 66

  Chapter 67

  Chapter 68

  Chapter 69

  Chapter 70

  Chapter 71

  Chapter 72

  Chapter 73

  Chapter 74

  Chapter 75

  Chapter 76

  Chapter 77

  Chapter 78

  Chapter 79

  Chapter 80

  Part Six The Riesenrad Chapter 81

  Chapter 82

  Chapter 83

  Chapter 84

  Chapter 85

  Chapter 86

  Chapter 87

  Acknowledgements

  Extract: Vienna Blood

  Mortal Mischief

  Frank Tallis is a writer and practicing clinical psychologist. He has held lecturing posts in clinical psychology and neuroscience at the Institute of Psychiatry and King's College London and is one of Britain's leading experts on obsessional states. In 1999 he received a Writers' Award from the Arts Council of Great Britain and in 2000 he won the New London Writers' Award (London Arts Board)

  He lives and works in London. For further information visit www.franktallis.com

  Also by Frank Tallis

  Love Sick (Century, 2004)

  Mortal

  Mischief

  Frank Tallis

  VOLUME ONE OF THE

  LIEBERMANN PAPERS

  This eBook is copyright material and must not be copied, reproduced, transferred, distributed, leased, licensed or publicly performed or used in any way except as specifically permitted in writing by the publishers, as allowed under the terms and conditions under which it was purchased or as strictly permitted by applicable copyright law. Any unauthorised distribution or use of this text may be a direct infringement of the author's and publisher's rights and those responsible may be liable in law accordingly.

  ISBN 9781409066101

  Version 1.0

  www.randomhouse.co.uk

  Published by Arrow Books in 2006

  1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2

  Copyright © Frank Tallis 2005

  Frank Tallis has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act, 1988 to be indentified as the author of this work

  This novel is a work of fiction. Names and characters are the product of the author's imagination and any resmblance to actual persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental

  This electronic book is sold subject to the condition that it shall not by way of trade or otherwise, be lent, resold, hired out, or otherwise circulated without the publisher's prior consent in any form other than that in which it is published and without a similar condition including this condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser

  First published in the United Kingdom in 2005 by Century

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  A CIP catalogue record for this book is available

  from the British Library

  ISBN: 9781409066101

  Version 1.0

  Part One

  The God of Storms

  1

  It was the day of the great storm. I remember it well because my father – Mendel Liebermann – had suggested that we meet for coffee at The Imperial. I had a strong suspicion that something was on his mind . . .

  A ROILING MASS OF BLACK cloud had risen from behind the Opera House like a volcanic eruption of sulphurous smoke and ash. Its dimensions suggested impending doom – an epic catastrophe on the scale of Pompeii. In the strange amber light, the surrounding buildings had become jaundiced. Perched on the rooftops, the decorative statuary – classical figures and triumphal eagles – seemed to have been carved from brimstone. A fork of lightning flowed down the mountain of cloud like a river of molten iron. The earth trembled and the air stirred, yet still there was no rain. The coming storm seemed to be saving itself – building its reserves of power in preparation for an apocalyptic deluge.

  The tram bell sounded, rousing Liebermann from his reverie and dispersing a group of horse-drawn carriages on the lines.

  As the tram rolled forwards, Liebermann wondered why his father had wanted to see him. It wasn't that such a meeting was unusual; they often met for coffee. Rather, it was something about the manner in which the invitation had been issued. Mendel's voice had been curiously strained – reedy and equivocal. Moreover, his nonchalance had been unconvincing, suggesting to Liebermann the concealment of an ulterior – or perhaps even unconscious – motive. But what might that be?

  The tram slowed in the heavy traffic of the Karntner Ring and Liebermann jumped off before the vehicle had reached its stop. He raised the collar of his astrakhan coat against the wind and hurried towards his destination.

  Even though lunch had already been served, The Imperial was seething with activity. Waiters, with silver trays held high, were dodging each other between crowded tables, and the air was filled with animated conversation. At the back of the café, a pianist was playing a Chopin mazurka. Liebermann wiped the condensation off his spectacles with a handkerchief and hung his coat on the stand.

  'Good afternoon, Herr Doctor.'

  Liebermann reco
gnised the voice and without turning replied: 'Good afternoon, Bruno. I trust you are well?'

  'I am, sir. Very well indeed.'

  When Liebermann turned, the waiter continued: 'If you'd like to come this way, sir. Your father is already here.'

  Bruno beckoned, and guided Liebermann through the hectic room. They arrived at a table near the back, where Mendel was concealed behind the densely printed sheets of the Weiner Zeitung.

  'Herr Liebermann?' said Bruno. Mendel folded his paper. He was a thickset man with a substantial beard and bushy eyebrows. His expression was somewhat severe – although softened by a liberal network of laughter lines. The waiter added: 'Your son.'

  'Ahh, Maxim!' said the old man. 'There you are!' He sounded a little irritated, as though he had been kept waiting.

  After a moment's hesitation, Liebermann replied: 'But I'm early, father.'

  Mendel consulted his pocket watch.

  'So you are. Well, sit down, sit down. Another Pharisäer for me and . . . Max?' He invited his son to order.

  'A Schwarzer, please, Bruno.'

  The waiter executed a modest bow and was gone.

  'So,' said Mendel. 'How are you, my boy?'

  'Very well, father.'

  'You're looking a bit thinner than usual.'

  'Am I?'

  'Yes. Drawn.'

  'I hadn't noticed.'

  'Are you eating properly?'

  Liebermann laughed: 'Very well, as it happens. And how are you, father?'

  Mendel grimaced.

  'Achh! Good days and bad days, you know how it is. I'm seeing that specialist you recommended, Pintsch. And there is some improvement, I suppose. But my back isn't much better.'

  'Oh, I'm sorry to hear that.'

  Mendel dismissed his son's remark with a wave of his hand.

  'Do you want something to eat?' Mendel pushed the menu across the table. 'You look like you need it. I think I'll have the Topfenstrudel.'

  Liebermann studied the extensive cake-list: Apfeltorte, Cremeschnitte, Truffeltorte, Apfelstrudel. It ran on over several pages.

  'Your mother sends her love,' said Mendel, 'and would like to know when she can expect to see you again.' His expression hovered somewhere between sympathy and reprimand.

  'I'm sorry, father,' said Liebermann. 'I've been very busy. Too many patients . . . Tell mother I'll try to see her next week. Friday, perhaps?'

  'Then you must come to dinner.'

  'Yes,' said Liebermann, suddenly feeling that he had already committed himself more than he really wanted. 'Yes. Thank you.' He looked down at the menu again: Dobostorte, Gugelhupf, Linzertorte. The Chopin mazurka ended on a loud minor chord, and a ripple of applause passed through the café audience. Encouraged, the pianist played a glittering arpeggio figure on the upper keys, under which he introduced the melody of a popular waltz. A group of people seated near the window began another round of appreciative clapping.

  Bruno returned with the coffees and stood to attention with his pencil and notepad.

  'The Topfenstrudel,' said Mendel.

  'The Rehrücken, please,' said Liebermann.

  Mendel stirred the cream into his Pharisäer – which came with a tot of rum – and immediately started to talk about the family textile business. This was not unusual. Indeed, it had become something of a tradition. Profits had risen, and Mendel was thinking of expanding the enterprise: another factory, or even a shop, perhaps. Now that the meddling bureaucrats had lifted the ban on department stores, he could see a future in retail – new opportunities. His old friend Blomberg had already opened a successful department store and had suggested that they might go into partnership. Throughout, Mendel's expression was eager and clearly mindful of his son's reactions.

  Liebermann understood why his father kept him so well informed. Although he was proud of Liebermann's academic achievements, he still hoped that one day young Max would step into his shoes.

  Mendel's voice slowed when he noticed his son's hand. The fingers seemed to be following the pianist's melody – treating the edge of the table like a keyboard.

  'Are you listening?' said Mendel.

  'Yes. Of course I'm listening,' Liebermann replied. He had become accustomed to such questioning and could no longer be caught out, as was once the case. 'You're thinking of going into business with Herr Blomberg.'

  Liebermann assumed a characteristic position. His right hand – shaped like a gun – pressed against his cheek, the index finger resting gently against the right temple. It was a 'listening' position favoured by many psychiatrists.

  'So – what do you think? A good idea?' asked Mendel.

  'Well, if the existing department store is profitable, that sounds reasonable enough.'

  'It's a considerable investment.'

  'I'm sure it is.'

  The old man stroked his beard. 'You don't seem to be very keen on the idea.'

  'Father, does it matter what I think?'

  Mendel sighed.

  'No. I suppose not.' His disappointment was palpable.

  Liebermann looked away. He took no joy in disappointing his father and now felt guilty. The old man's motives were entirely laudable and Liebermann was perfectly aware that his comfortable standard of living was sustained – at least in part – by Mendel's exemplary management of the family business. Yet he couldn't ever imagine himself running a factory or managing a department store. The idea was ludicrous.

  As these thoughts were passing through his mind, Liebermann noticed the arrival of a gentleman in his middle years. On entering the café, the man removed his hat and surveyed the scene. His hair was combed to the side, creating a deep side parting, and his neatly trimmed moustache and beard were almost entirely grey. He received a warm welcome from the head waiter who helped him to take his coat off. He was immaculately dressed in pinstriped trousers, a wide-lapelled jacket and a 'showy' waistcoat. He must have made a quip, because the head waiter suddenly began laughing. The man seemed in no hurry to find a seat and stood by the door, listening intently to the waiter, who now appeared – Liebermann thought – to have started to tell a story.

  Mendel saw that his son had become distracted.

  'Know him, do you?'

  Liebermann turned.

  'I'm sorry?'

  'Doctor Freud,' said Mendel in a flat voice.

  Liebermann was astonished that his father knew the man's identity.

  'Yes, I do know him. And it's Professor Freud, actually.'

  'Professor Freud, then,' said Mendel. 'But he hasn't been a professor for very long, has he?'

  'A few months,' said Liebermann, raising his eyebrows. 'How did you know that?'

  'He comes to the lodge.'

  'What lodge?'

  Mendel scowled.

  'B'nai B'rith.'

  'Oh yes, of course.'

  'Although God knows why. I'm not sure what sort of a Jew he's supposed to be. He doesn't seem to believe in anything. And as for his ideas . . .' Mendel shook his head. 'He gave us a talk last year. Scandalous. How well do you know him?'

  'Quite well . . . We meet occasionally to discuss his work.'

  'What? You think there's something in it?'

  'The book he wrote with Breuer on hysteria was excellent and The Interpretation of Dreams is . . . well, a masterpiece. Of course, I don't agree with everything he says. Even so, I've found his treatment suggestions very useful.'

  'Then you must be in a minority.'

  'Undoubtedly. But I am convinced that Professor Freud's system – a system that he calls psychoanalysis – will become more widely accepted.'

  'Not in Vienna.'

  'I don't know. One or two of my colleagues, other junior psychiatrists, are very interested in Professor Freud's ideas.'

  Mendel's brow furrowed: 'Some of the things he said last year were obscene. I pity those in his care.'

  'I would be the first to admit,' said Liebermann, 'that he has become somewhat preoccupied – of late – with the erotic life of his patient
s. However, his understanding of the human mind extends well beyond our animal instincts.'

  The professor was still standing by the door with the head waiter. He suddenly burst out laughing and slapped his companion on the back. It was clear that the head waiter had just told him a joke.

  'Dear God,' said Mendel under his breath, 'I hope he doesn't come this way.' Then he sighed with relief as Professor Freud was ushered to a table beyond their view. Mendel was about to say something else but stopped when Bruno arrived with the cakes.

  'Topfenstrudel for Herr Liebermann and Rehrücken for Herr Doctor Liebermann. More coffee?' Bruno gestured towards Mendel's empty glass.

  'Yes, why not? A Mélange and another Schwarzer for my son.'

  Mendel looked enviously at his son's gateau, a large glazed chocolate sponge cake shaped like a saddle of deer, filled with apricot jam and studded with almonds. His own order was less arresting, being a simple pastry filled with sweet curd cheese.

  Liebermann noticed his father's lingering gaze.

  'You should have ordered one too.'

  Mendel shook his head: 'Pintsch told me I must lose weight.'

  'Well, you won't lose weight eating Topfenstrudel.'

  Mendel shrugged and took a mouthful of pastry but stopped chewing when a loud thunderclap shook the building. 'It's going to be a bad one,' said Mendel, nodding towards the window. Outside, Vienna had succumbed to a preternatural twilight.

  'Maxim,' Mendel continued, 'I wanted to see you today for a reason. A specific reason.'

  At last, thought Liebermann. Finally, he was about to discover the true purpose of their meeting. Liebermann braced himself mentally, still unsure of what to expect.

  'You probably think it's nothing to do with me,' Mendel added. 'But—' He stopped abruptly and pushed the severed corner of his Topfenstrudel around the plate with his fork.

  'What is it, father?'

  'I was speaking to Herr Weiss the other day and . . .' Again his sentence tailed off. 'Maxim.' This time he returned to his task with greater determination. 'You and Clara seem to be getting along well enough and – understandably, I think – Herr Weiss is anxious to know of your intentions.'